Pas says no to big tent, eyes Ummah unity

SHAH ALAM - PAS has said "no" to the idea of a big tent to go against Barisan Nasional in the 15th General Elections (GE15), this comes despite their coalition partner, Bersatu is said to initiate discussions with some opposition parties.

Pas vice president Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah said it will focus on uniting the Ummah, and urged Umno and Bersatu to join hands to rebuild the country and strengthen the Muslims.

"PAS is aware of the current situation of Muslims pressed by various challenges.

"PAS with all its capabilities has mobilised efforts to introduce a 'Mature & Prosperous Political Culture' as a move to face the challenges," he said in a statement.

On June 10, a Bersatu division welcomed the idea of having a “big tent” to fight BN in the 15th General Election (GE15), as long as DAP is not part of it.

Parit Sulong Bersatu division chief Datuk Ariss Samsudin had said they would adhere to whatever decision made by the party and the Perikatan Nasional leadership for GE15, especially on forming a political big tent to beat Barisan.

Bersatu and Pas are under the Perikatan Nasional coalition. The Islamic party is also with Umno under Muafakat Nasional, however, Umno has made it clear it has no intentions of working with Pas.

Amar in a statement today added the principle of Pas priority is Islam.

"Malaysians will never forget our country's black history for 22 months under Pakatan Harapan administration which revealed those who tried to challenge the nation and the basic principles of Malaysia.

"Therefore, to face the PH regime during 2018-2019, PAS had a consensus effort with Umno and NGOs to strengthen the Malay-Muslim political roots," he said.