‘SELANGOR PAS BACKS NEW COALITION IDEA’
But member parties must accept party’s struggles, says state Pas leader
SELANGOR Pas supports the idea to unite all opposition parties under Pakatan Malaysia, says its commissioner, Sallehen Mukhyi. He, however, said the move must be accepted by all parties, including those representing non-Muslims, to ensure that the party’s struggles and policies were respected.
“Selangor Pas has no qualms (about the formation of Pakatan Malaysia). But its establishment needs more scrutiny.
“We want to know the position of Islam should the new coalition be formed.
“We hope that non-Muslim parties will accept Pas’ struggles in upholding Islam. If they are able to accept this, we believe that the new pact can be realised.
“In an alliance, it is important that we respect each other and the rights of every party.
“If this is the basic principle, we are confident that the alliance will be strong.”
On the possibility of the opposition splitting, like what happened to Pakatan Rakyat due to DAP’s protest on hudud matters, Sallehen said that was why all parties should sit down and assess the Pakatan Malaysia proposal.
“I would like to stress that Pas’ struggles to uphold Islam have not sidelined any race or religion.
“This matter is clear and I am confident that MCA or other nonMuslim parties will understand it.
“The Islamic laws, including the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 or Act 355), only apply to Muslims.
“Pas views its support towards MCA’s candidate in the recent Balakong byelection as a start to a close relationship.
“All this while, Pas’ image has been exploited by certain quarters who suggested that it (Pas) was an extreme party, which is untrue.”
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said a new coalition, comprising Umno, Pas, MCA, MIC, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Bersatu Sabah, would form Pakatan Malaysia.
He said the matter was not impossible if based on a strong formula, as well as to form a political alliance that could give Pakatan Harapan a strong opponent.
Khaled, who is former Johor menteri besar, said Umno, which remains the biggest party in the Parliament, was dominant and influential compared with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.