'PAS' ambiguous stance a rational move'

PAS has come under heavy criticism over its stance to lead its own coalition under Gagasan Sejahtera instead of siding with Pakatan Harapan or BN but an analyst believes it is a rational move by the party.

Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia lecturer Lt Kol Ahmad Ghazali Abu Hassan said PAS holding back its support allows the party evaluate and court either side that would give it the most benefit.

"If I was a PAS strategist, I would maintain the current situation - standing alone and leaving things open-ended.

"It is the right situation, to remain silent and see where the biggest opportunity lie.

"When the condition is right, then they can side with whoever they want," he said when contacted.

Ahmad Ghazali, who heads the Centre for Defence and International Security Studies and is strategies expert, said apart from informal talks with PAS as claimed by PKR, PAS had also flirted with BN.

He added that it is likely that PAS is now making its calculations on which side would be better to work with.

"In terms of political strategy, it is a rational move," he said.

However, political analyst Mohd Atory Hussain believes that PAS must make a decision soon.

"PAS has many choices but it can only choose one before the 14th general election," said the Universiti Sains Malaysia political science lecturer when contacted.

He noted that PKR had been trying hard to court PAS but pointed out that PAS was setting many conditions.

"Being allies with PAS would benefit PKR but practically speaking, it is too difficult to fulfil PAS' conditions.

"Because PAS will demand PKR not to ally itself with Amanah and DAP. It will be complicated," he said.

He also noted the window of opportunity was closing as Harapan had become frustrated and is now emphasising on consolidating support instead of entertaining PAS' "flip flop" on who it wants to side with.

The issue of whether to continue electoral negotiations with PAS, despite PAS leaders giving the cold shoulder, had caused a split in PKR.

Harapan party chiefs later declared that the coalition will not work with PAS.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, a key proponent of negotiations with PAS, said he accepts the decision but insisted he was free to speak to anyone. - Mkini