ANN/THE STAR – Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) is not considering the option of joining the unity government as it will play the role of the opposition alongside its partners in Perikatan Nasional.
The party’s Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told The Star that the people knew that the party stood firm with the “No Anwar, No DAP” principle.
“Perikatan has issued a statement that we will not join the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional government,” he said.
“We have stated our stance even before the election and the people know our stand. We are firm with our principles,” he added.
He said Perikatan would be an effective Opposition and provide checks and balances to the government of the day.
He added that PAS accepted Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s appointment as Prime Minister and hoped that he would fulfil his promises and uphold the law in this country.
Tuan Ibrahim said this after PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had said on Friday that the party may consider Anwar’s offer for Perikatan to join the unity government.
He added that the matter would be discussed among the coalition’s component parties, and the views of voters too will be considered.
However, Takiyuddin reversed his statement and said PAS had made the decision not to join the government led by Pakatan and DAP after taking into consideration several aspects and respecting the mandate of the people, especially PAS and Perikatan voters.
“Hence PAS will continue to play the role of a ‘constructive’ Opposition and will continue to advise all parties to ensure that the country’s administration goes well and will be centred around the principle of compassion, (a) clean (government) and stability,” he added, in a statement yesterday.
