Delegates want syura council to decide PAS' partner in 'interest of Islam'

PAS MUKTAMAR | The 64th PAS muktamar today unanimously approved a motion giving the party's syura council mandate to decide on new political cooperation.

While the motion did not specifically mention collaboration with Umno, it echoed the message by several PAS leaders who had previously said they would explore any cooperation that is in the interest of Islam.

The motion reads: For PAS Ulama's syura council and central leadership to determine the party's way forward in the opposition movement, for the sake of Islam and the rakyat, and to give the council the mandate to make the final decision, which must be followed by an official statement by the council.

Kota Raja delegate Mohamad Diah Baharom, who brought up the proposal, said the party was also urged not to sideline their existing Gagasan Sejahtera coalition with Ikatan and Berjasa when deciding to cooperate with other parties.

In supporting the motion, another delegate Mustaman Mustain called for PAS top leaders to also take into account the political situation in Sabah.

The Sandakan PAS information chief told delegates at the muktamar that the state party was left out when other opposition parties in Sabah, including Umno, formed a coalition against the state government led by Warisan.

"What I want to point out here is that, when the Ulama syura council or the central leadership is making any decision on PAS' role in the opposition, please do not forget about us in Sabah.

"Please take into account our unique situation.

"The party president had previously said that dakwah is more important than politics in Sabah.

"Should PAS form a coalition with Umno and other parties (in Sabah), it would open a wider opportunity for us to spread information about Islam in Sabah, which has more than 30 ethnicities and its people from a multi-religious backgrounds," said Mustaman. -Mkini