'Not losing faith in Islam by joining Amanah' - Izham
SHAH ALAM - Selangor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) refutes claims that former Pas members and leaders have joined Amanah out of fear of losing elections.
Its chairman who is also a former Pas leader Ir Izham Hashim stated instead that the act of joining a party is an individual's right within the democratic system practiced in the country.
"That is our right to practice democracy, and it doesn't mean I'm losing my faith in Islam by joining Amanah.
"So, for us, there is no issue of winning or losing in elections," he said in a video posted on his social media today.
He said this in response to a statement by Pas President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang on the first day of campaigning for the Simpang Jeram by-election at Pas Bakri Headquarters in Johor last Sunday.
Hadi was reported as saying that the action of some members and former leaders of the party joining Amanah was due to the fear of losing elections.
He, who is also Marang MP, also characterised them as having weak spirits to the extent that they were willing to abandon Pas's struggle.
Meanwhile, Izham said the statement by the Pas president showed a sense of resentment among the involved leaders towards Amanah.
"The Pas president, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, has always seemed to hold a grudge against Parti Amanah Negara.
"These political parties, if they want to use Islam as their foundation, let there be as many parties as possible. It depends on the voters and the people to choose any party.
"The good party that the people will follow—there is only one party in any Islamic book; this party is a new thing, so there's no need for us to hold grudges," said Izham.
Izham further stated that they chose Amanah because they believe in the party's struggle to build a better country based on true Islam, not the kind of Islam demanded by Pas.
"While they claim to be an Islamic party, they engage in foul language, sow discord, and slander others.
"Pas has actually strayed far from the Islam brought by Prophet Muhammad SAW," he added.
