PAS no threat to Muhyiddin in Pagoh, says Amanah

The presence of PAS in Johor is not much of a threat to former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, even in his constituency of Pagoh, says Johor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) chief Aminolhuda Hassan.

"I was involved with organising Johor PAS for over 30 years (before this), and I know more about the party's strength here," Aminolhuda, the former state commissioner for the Islamic party, told Malaysiakini.

He stressed that his knowledge of this should be more than that of PAS ulama information chief Khairuddin Aman Razali, who hails from Terengganu.

"Johoreans know more about what is happening here than Khairuddin. He is from Terengganu and does not know how strong is PAS in Johor, as he knows nothing about the party's development in this state," Aminolhuda added.

He was responding to Khairuddin, who said yesterday that Muhyiddin, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president, would do well to remember that even voters in his constituency may be supporters of the proposed bill to amend Act 355 and he would do well to listen to them.

Indeed, said Khairuddin, who is Kuala Nerus MP, Muhyiddin and Bersatu still need PAS' help to win in the next national election, as Act 355 has captured the support of many Malay Muslims.

Khairuddin was responding to Muhyiddin, who on Tuesday denied supporting the proposed amendment, stressing that Bersatu would only decide when it sees the final form of the legislation.

Commenting further, Aminolhuda said that while Act 355 may have captured the imagination of many, even including Pagoh voters, the situation depends on the reality of the day.

"When we were in PAS last time, that was what we wanted too, which is to place (Islamic) justice into the (nation's) administration.

"But at the same time we must realise the reality of the day and what is happening around us. Which means that the proposed amendment may not be a priority at the moment," Aminolhuda said.

He stressed that it does mean Amanah was rejecting the proposed amendment, just that it doesn't see the need to prioritise it now.

"While there have been accusations that we reject the amendments to Act 355, actually, in principle our support of seeing an Islamic system in place is uncompromising.

"We hope, if possible, that this matter will be discussed with more decorum and detail in Parliament," he added.- Mkini