PAS votes to cut political ties with long-term ally PKR

ALOR SETAR — Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) delegates passed a motion to sever political cooperation with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) yesterday at its 63rd muktamar (general assembly), ending months of strained relations with its long-time political ally.

The motion was passed with a resounding majority by delegates of the Islamist party and it will now be presented before the Shura Council, the party’s highest decision-making body.

It was tabled by a representative of the clerics’ wing, Mr Zulkifli Ismail, and seconded by PAS Youth Vice-Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari.

The proposed termination of political cooperation between the two parties is due to PKR contravening conditions of their political cooperation, which includes the upholding of Islam and Islamic policies, Mr Zulkifli was quoted as saying by news portal Free Malaysia Today.

“This can be proven through PKR’s support of an Amanah candidate against a PAS candidate in the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections,” said Mr Zulkifli, referring to splinter party Parti Amanah Negara.

“PKR also failed to support PAS’ efforts for the amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965. It appears that PKR stands with DAP (Democratic Action Party)in opposing the amendments.”

The DAP has strongly opposed the implementation of hudud in Kelantan, and this has caused a fallout between the two opposition parties. It led to the dissolution of Pakatan Harapan in 2015, which the Islamist party was part of.

PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang had tabled his Private Member’s Bill to enhance the Syariah Courts last month, but the debate was deferred hours later by Parliament Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia.

Responding to the motion by the Islamist party, PKR Secretary-General Saifuddin Nasution called on PAS executive council members in the Selangor state government to relinquish their positions once the decision has been finalised.

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the party is ready to contest against PAS in the next general election.

“If they want to contest, they may proceed, what can we do if they want to contest?” she asked.

At the general assembly, the clerics’ wing also submitted a motion to seek a constitutional amendment that would make it necessary for the Prime Minister to be a Muslim. AGENCIES