'BN is crazy about power but Pas is much more worse' - Saarani

JOHOR BAHRU - Barisan Nasional (BN) is power crazy, but Pas is so much worse.

This was the statement made by Perak BN Chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad while speaking at a programme at the Tan Sri Complex, Mohamed Rahmat, last night.

The Umno Supreme Council member who is also the Chairman of the Perak Umno Liaison Body said any political party that is registered with Election Commission (EC) and contests in the election is indeed aiming to gain the power to govern either at the state or federal government level.

However, he said, the matter needs to be followed up with good intentions without sacrificing party principles to defend the fate of the people, the Malays and the Islamic religion, especially in this country.

"That is what happened in Perak when we agreed to be the first state to establish a Unity Government by collaborating with Pakatan Harapan (PH) after the 15th General Election (GE15).

"In the negotiation, DAP specifically agreed to respect the principles of the party's struggle, including not raising the issue of 999-year land ownership claims for new villages in Perak.

"Perak BN which won nine seats in the State Legislative Assembly at that time also heard negotiations from Pas to establish a 100 per cent Islamic state government, but there was no offer given to us," he said

Meanwhile, Saarani, who is also the Perak Menteri Besar, said what happened in GE15 was not as bad as the betrayal Pas committed in GE14.

He said that Pas' actions at that time could be compared to 'stabbing in the back' before turning to form a government with PH.

"In GE14, no party got a majority. BN then won 27 out of 59 state assembly seats, all 27 state assembly seats were contributed by Umno.

"Pas at that time only got three seats, enough for BN-Pas to work together to form the state government and all the offers we were asked to fulfill included guarantees for the state government exco position we were willing to give and we even sealed the cooperation by signing an agreement.

"However, just a few hours before we were to face the Sultan of Perak to take the oath, they (PAS), betrayed us and canceled what was agreed upon earlier.

"Is this the sort of party we are supposed to work with in the name of ?" he said.