Anwar doubts Pas’s reasons to cut ties
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has doubted reasons outlined by Pas to sever ties between the two parties, particularly on matters relating to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355).
Anwar said it was clear that the Pas leadership did not comprehend PKR’s stand on Act 355, which recognised Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s rights as a parliamentarian to table a proposed amendments to the said law.
“I understand that this is the decision made by the Pas leadership.
However,
I’m doubtful (over the said decision) because the reasons were incorrect, especially concerning Act 355.
“It is clear that the Pas leadership did not study the statement made by PKR president (Anwar’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) and I, which recognised Hadi’s rights, apart from proposing for it (the private member’s bill) to be referred to the select committee.”
Anwar reiterated that PKR had never betrayed the political pact with Pas and that efforts had been made to preserve the ties.
Anwar attempted to shift blame to the Barisan Nasional government for its decision to maintain Hadi’s private member’s bill as it is.
“The government has made a stand to not table the bill as its own, which means the proposed amendments to Act 355 will end up being shelved. It is weird that Umno has not been blamed over this.”
Hadi had, on April 6, tabled the bill at Parliament.