Ramkarpal raises PAS conundrum after Amirudin says Harapan open to all

 

DAP lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh has urged PKR vice-president Amirudin Shari to clarify his claim that Pakatan Harapan is open to working with any party, pointing to the obvious conundrum - PAS.

The Bukit Gelugor MP stressed that while political stability and the people’s well-being are key considerations, it is equally important to ensure that coalition partners can work together for the common good.

“The baseless allegations of PAS against the DAP that the latter is allegedly anti-Islam are merely an instance, in my view, that there cannot be any cooperation between the two parties at this point,” he added.

Ramkarpal (above) also asked Amirudin, who is the Selangor menteri besar, whether the issue had been raised and resolved at the Harapan presidential council.

“The matter is a serious one as it relates to the trajectory and direction of Harapan and its potential partners in future coalitions which must certainly be thoroughly discussed by component parties before any such announcement is made.

“I am not aware of any such stance and can confirm that the matter has not been raised at any level in the DAP to date.

“In the circumstances, the matter should be clarified forthwith to avoid any confusion that may arise as a result,” he added.

Past cooperation

Despite their opposing ideologies, DAP and PAS have twice joined forces. The first was under Barisan Alternatif and later Pakatan Rakyat, both now-defunct precursors to Harapan.

Since parting ways, the Islamist party has repeatedly accused the predominantly Chinese DAP of seeking to undermine the position of Malays and Islam, allegations the DAP has consistently denied, describing them as a false narrative aimed at stoking suspicion among Malay voters.

Yesterday, Amirudin, a member of the Harapan presidential council, said the coalition prioritised political stability and the people’s interests when considering any form of political cooperation with other parties or coalitions.

Amirudin Shari

The PKR leader said Harapan remained open to working with or reaching an understanding with any party or coalition that upheld these two principles.

“Cooperation with any party, not just Bersatu or Perikatan Nasional, can be considered, provided the underlying principles remain political stability and the well-being of the people,” he added.

PAS, which holds 44 federal seats, is the linchpin of PN and has been at the forefront of calls for all Malay-Muslim parties to unite. - Mkini