Hadi: PAS does not fear losing electoral seats for Islam is our cause

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang today said his party does not fear losing seats or government positions in the general election as the party's cause is Islam.

"PAS' strength does not depend upon the number of electoral seats won, like other parties, which could die simply from not having any seats.

"Those who try to threaten PAS based on electoral seats or positions in government should learn about PAS' history," he said in a lengthy opinion piece today.

Hadi pointed out that PAS only won two seats in Kelantan and none in Terengganu after it was expelled from BN in 1978.

However, he said PAS managed to rise again and the then BN chairperson, in the face of PAS' growing strength, was forced to turn to Islamic leaders to prop up the ruling coalition.

"PAS does not die with the fall of government or loss of seats," he said.

Hadi said that PAS does strive to win seats but could also settle for the alternative.

"PAS works to secure seats in order to lead or become an opposition that advises, not destroys," he said.

Pakatan Harapan leaders, particularly in PKR, who favour negotiations with PAS, have warned that both the coalition and PAS will suffer in the 14th General Election without an electoral pact.

However, Hadi reiterated that PAS does not intend to join forces with Harapan.

"PAS does not place any hope on Harapan because it knows that all those involved in the coalition's formation as the hope they carry is not to be trusted," he said.

Hadi said PAS' way is the way of Islam and it was necessary for Muslims to support Islam.

He also had a message for non-Muslims, urging them to reject "racial fanatics".

"It is also compulsory for non-Muslims to reject parties that are racial fanatic and groups that are based on secularism like the DAP and Harapan which seek to separate life from religion.

"They can alter their religion in any way and become tools to anyone simply for temporary political expediency," he said.

Hadi also panned the series of protest organised by electoral reform group Bersih, which he described as "unclean to Islam". - Mkini