PAS CHIEFS CHASTISE DR M
Party’s V-P says former premier has no permanent set of principles
SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH AND ADIB POVERA
PASIR MAS news@nst.com.my
TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad should look himself in the mirror before accusing Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang of causing the Islamic party to be apparently “weak”.
Commenting on the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman’s recent criticisms against Hadi, Pas vice-president Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said such a statement from Dr Mahathir was expected, especially “when things did not go his way”.
Amar was referring to the failed PPBM-Pas talks, in which the for- mer had requested for electoral seats to contest in the next general election.
“Dr Mahathir is frustrated because he could not get what he wanted. He has no permanent stand which he himself could abide by, as seen when he left and rejoined Umno numerous times.
“Conversely, Pas has been consistent in its principles and we will continue to persevere. Dr Mahathir should look at himself and his party before accusing the Pas president of anything.”
In Kuching, Sarawak Pas Youth chief Mohammad Arifiriazul Paijo said Dr Mahathir had weakened the opposition pact Pakatan Harapan by attempting to place himself as its head.
“He makes the other parties, such as PKR and Parti Amanah Negara, look less important in the pact. He is the reason the pact has become weak,” he said.
PPBM-Pas ties soured when PPBM’s proposal for an electoral pact between them hit a snag after the former prime minister continued to criticise Pas despite ongoing talks. Negotiations then died prematurely after PPBM became a member of Pakatan Harapan.
Meanwhile, Terengganu Pas commissioner Satiful Bahari Mamat said Dr Mahathir was never keen to work with Pas despite earlier requests for electoral seats. In George Town, Penang Pas treasurer Iszuree Ibrahim said Dr Mahathir had failed to realise the increasing number of Pas members compared with PPBM. Additional reporting by Sim Bak Heng and Mohamed Basyir