After debate over Islamic credentials, PAS says will outlive Umno

 

PAS is confident that its political relevance can outlive Umno by far.

This was the response of its information chief, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's wish to see PAS dissolve on its own.

"I am not praying for Umno to be dissolved - because Umno still has its own role and distinct strength, and there are contributions from Umno that are still needed.

"But when compared with PAS, I believe and am very confident that PAS’ political lifespan will be far longer than Umno's, insya-Allah," Fadhli (above) said in a Facebook post.

Zahid, in a speech at an Umno-related event yesterday, said PAS should be dissolved as Umno has included a clause to uphold Islam in its party constitution.

According to Bernama, the deputy prime minister regarded a statement by former PAS spiritual leader, the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat - that the Islamist party would dissolve if Umno placed Islam as the foundation of its constitution - as a last will and testament.

"When the late Nik Aziz made that statement, I regarded it as a ‘wasiat’ (will). The first thing I did after taking over Umno’s leadership was to place Islam in the party’s constitution.

"But PAS has not dissolved yet; I consider that PAS will dissolve on its own," Zahid had said.

In Fadhli's Facebook post, the PAS leader also took a swipe at Umno, which he said has been flip-flopping in its principles.

He said that while it is good that Umno has included Islam in its constitutional foundation, the alleged indecisiveness of Umno makes it more crucial for PAS to continue its struggle. - Mkini