Pas grills Dr M over ‘obsessed’ claim and 3-cornered fights
KUALA LUMPUR: Pas has hit out at former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for claiming that the Islamic party is ensuring Barisan Nasional’s victory by engaging in three-cornered fights in the 14th General Election.
Its deputy president, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said the attacks only proved that both Pakatan Harapan and Dr Mahathir, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman, were panicking over growing support for the Islamic party.
“If you want to label Pas as a spoiler, look in the mirror and see who has been consistent and who is making U-turns,” he said yesterday.
Tuan Ibrahim said Pas’ struggle had never changed, and that the party had always placed Islam at its highest pedestal.
He said the party would go up against Umno in the 14th General Election, adding that any one was welcomed to contest in seats traditionally held by Pas.
“It is anyone’s choice to come and contest in seats traditionally contested by Pas to make it a three-cornered fight. That is your democratic right.”
Tuan Ibrahim also said Dr Mahathir, during his tenure as prime minister, had arbitrarily used the Internal Security Act against his political opponents.
He added that the people were still fighting against the system left behind by Dr Mahathir, and the opposition was heavily oppressed during his tenure, which led to “various tragedies”.
“It has only been two years since you have been in the opposition, and now you know how difficult it is.
“Today, you want to topple (Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak) as the prime minister after realising the damage. In fact, you agreed for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to become the eighth prime minister.
“Wouldn’t it be better if you had realised this 20 years sooner, and Anwar would be prime minister and his family didn’t have to go through the pain that continues to this day?”
In a blog posting on Monday, Dr Mahathir said Pas was obsessed in its hostility towards DAP and Parti Amanah Negara, and would rather go down fighting in multicornered fights than fighting for Islam, the Malays or the country.