PAS has not received an invitation to join the coalition government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, said party secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
“The offer was made in Time Magazine but we have not received anything,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the PAS muktamar in Shah Alam this evening.
Takiyuddin was referring to Anwar’s interview with Time Magazine, in which the prime minister said he had extended an offer to PAS.
The Pakatan Harapan chairperson said he was still open to welcoming the Islamist party into the fold.
“On whether we are prepared to engage with them, of course we do. We must. And I’ve sent [an invitation] to them ... Yes, I have been open to the idea from the beginning.
"After all, this is a unity government and we do what is best for our country," Anwar was reported as saying.
Anwar is believed to have been referring to an invitation for PAS to join him, when the premier was putting together his coalition government.
At the time, Takiyuddin said PAS had rejected the invitation to join the "Pakatan Harapan-DAP led government" to respect the mandate they had received from voters.
DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, who has often been at loggerheads with PAS leaders, had also welcomed the olive branch as it would ensure political stability and post-pandemic economic recovery.
“I personally welcome Anwar’s preparedness to accept PAS as part of the unity government, subject to policy conditions,” he added.
In a related matter, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party is committed to its political collaboration in Perikatan Nasional.
He also said PAS rejected the offer to be part of the Madani government because of its “loyalty to friends”.
Furthermore, the Kubang Kerian MP said PAS would not renege on its promise to voters that it would never collaborate with DAP and Anwar after the 15th general election.
“The general election and state elections have clearly shown the people are with PAS and PN,” he added.
Tuan Ibrahim issued the statement to refute a New Straits Times report on his speech when officiating the muktamar yesterday titled “’Pas Muktamar: 'Party will be part of unity govt’”. - Mkini
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