Our goal is to uphold Islam, says Pas vice-president

SHAH ALAM: Pas will not name its candidate for prime minister before the 14th General Election (GE14), said Pas vice-president Idris Ahmad yesterday.

“Who will be the next prime minister? Wait for (GE14) first, instead of bickering over who is going to win. Let us first see who wins in the election,” Idris said during the Selangor Pas Fastaqim 2.4 gathering in Seksyen 17 here, which drew 1,000 people.

On Tuesday, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman and former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had challenged Pas to name its candidate for prime minister before GE14.

Idris took a jibe at Pakatan Harapan for naming Dr Mahathir as its candidate.

“Previously, (the opposition pact) was all about reform. ‘Undur Mahathir, undur Mahathir’ was heard. Now, they want him back as leader.”

He said the party would not budge from its goal of upholding Islam.

“Some (opposition) parties are (talking) about going against kleptocracy and calling for reform. (But) where and when does Islam come into the picture?

“We will not join hands with any party… if we are unsure of their position on Islam. We are gathered here today (yesterday) to instil the spirit of oneness in members, and to ensure that members are prepared to face the election. This election is a critical one, since we are not only facing (challenges) from BN, but also the opposition pact.

“We are being attacked from all sides. Never in a democratic country would you see an opposition party attacking another opposition party.

“Nevertheless, we are confident that with support from the public and followers, Pas will succeed. The party has been in politics for 67 years and went against the government during the former premier’s leadership of 22 years.”

Idris said Pas’ policies and principles had never changed since it was founded, even when it was part of the opposition coalition.

He said that DAP, although gaining the majority of opposition seats in GE13, did not stand a strong chance of winning in Muslim-majority localities.

“(DAP) only joined hands with other parties (PPBM, PKR and Amanah) to bag the votes and come into power.

“When Pas tabled the private member’s bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act, we did not see any support from Pakatan. In fact, DAP opposed it. We believe Islam will offer the security and peace needed. All races and the government will be in harmony.”