PAS, PKR FIGHT ESCALATES
THE Selangor PKR Youth secretary, infuriated by Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s statement on Sunday, demands that Pas leave the state government. A Pas state leader, in a rejoinder, tells PKR to stop belittling the people of Selangor.
THE war of words between former allies PKR and Pas moved up a notch yesterday, with the former telling the latter to leave the Selangor government.
Both parties traded barbs over Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s statement on Sunday, in which he announced the party’s intention to form the next government in Selangor.
Describing Hadi’s statement as “arrogant”, Selangor PKR Youth secretary Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman said the Islamic party should withdraw from the PKRled state government.
Syed Badli also questioned Pas’ motive for remaining in the state government, led by PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
“It is time for Pas to step back from the state government, instead of continuing to be a thorn in the flesh,” he said yesterday.
Hadi was quoted as saying that Pas would contest as many seats as possible in Selangor, as opposed to the 42 state seats announced.
PKR and Pas were allies under the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat, which came into power in Selangor in 2008.
However, the political cooperation broke down after Pas accused PKR of opposing its Islamic agenda and betraying the alliance by working with those who wanted to topple the Pas-led Kelantan government.
Pas had also accused PKR of going against the Islamic party in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections.
Azmin had said he would try to persuade Pas to form a cooperation in the state administration.
Because of that, Syed Badli said Pas should uphold the partnership and work to retain the administration in line with Azmin’s efforts for harmony.
“Unfortunately, the Pas president has clearly stated that it wants to lead the Selangor government after the 14th General Election.
“This statement appears to undermine the partnership between Pas and the other Pakatan Rakyat component parties, which had come together to form the Selangor government for so long.
“This statement also betrays the trust given to Pas to work together to strengthen the state administration.”
In an immediate response, Selangor Pas Youth Information chief Mohamed Sukri Omar said PKR should not forget its betrayal of Pas.
“Don’t deny the betrayal committed by PKR in Selangor. Stop belittling the people of Selangor with your jokes.
“The people of Selangor are not pawns that can be moved around according to what those in power want, while denying the interest of the people.”
Sukri said PKR Youth should focus on addressing “current issues” involving Azmin.
“PKR Youth should also help Pakatan Harapan overcome its prime ministerial candidate crisis before pointing fingers at Pas. The younger generation, who supported Pakatan Harapan, are protesting against Pakatan for nominating a recycled candidate.”
Earlier this month, Pakatan Harapan announced former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its prime ministerial candidate in the 14th General Election.
PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was named his deputy.