‘Azmin’s meeting with Pas leaders means there’s hope for ties’
KUALA LUMPUR: The meeting between Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and state Pas leaders on Friday is an acid test for Pas-PKR relationship after the end of their tahalluf siyasi (political cooperation).
PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, in saying that the test was “successful”, said it was a sign that there was hope for cooperation between the two parties.
He said even though the political cooperation between the two opposition parties had ended officially, there were ways for them to come together against Barisan Nasional in the 14th General Election.
“I believe that where there is a will, there is a way. Yesterday, the first acid test was successful. There was a meeting and discussion (between PKR and Pas).
“Although it was only at the Selangor level, it showed a silver lining.
“If Selangor can do it, then why not in other states?
“I believe the fo- cus now is to engage those in Pas who are willing to be with us on common policy,” he told the New Sunday Times yesterday.
Shamsul, who is also Bukit Katil member of parliament in Melaka, said “taawun” (a concept of helping each other in doing good), brought up by newly-appointed Selangor Pas commissioner Sallehen Mukhyi during the meeting, also showed a positive development for the parties’ relationship.
“I think that is the religious basis of his argument, that even with the end of tahalluf siyasi, it does not mean we cannot work together for the sake of the people and betterment of the country.”
The Pas Syura Council had, on Thursday, decided to sever ties with PKR.
It came after the party’s muktamar passed a motion to end the tahalluf siyasi.