Umno exodus shows party no longer able to represent Malay-Muslim voice, says PAS

The exodus of lawmakers from Umno shows that the party is no longer able to struggle for the Malay-Muslim agenda.

Thus, PAS has to take over the responsibility, said the Islamist party's secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan (photo).

"Last time, it was Umno which fought for the Malay-Muslim agenda, as it was the government, and it also had the strength (in terms of resources and numbers).

"Now, it is no longer the government, and it is bleeding MPs and lawmakers, causing the party's very structure to collapse," Takiyuddin was quoted as saying by Bernama, during a press conference in Alor Setar last night.

His remark comes following the exodus of MPs and representatives from Umno, which was ousted from power in the May 9 general election.

Last week, more than a dozen Sabah Umno lawmakers, including five MPs, nine assemblypersons, and two senators, quit the party, citing the lack of direction from the leadership.

The quitters also expressed full support to the government of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

On Friday, six more Umno MPs quit the party, and more are expected to follow suit in the coming days.

No bearing

Asked whether the mass resignations will affect the opposition's strength in Parliament, Takiyuddin said the number of Umno representatives had no bearing on PAS' role and stance.

"Although we (PAS and Umno) are both opposition parties, we only have loose links in the Dewan Rakyat. No matter how many lawmakers Umno has, PAS is firm in its stance, we are neutral on issues brought by the government.

"Our role is to advise the government, reprimand where necessary, and support what is right. The number of Umno MPs in Dewan Rakyat does not pose a big problem to PAS," he was quoted as saying.

The Kota Bharu MP further dubbed the exodus of Umno representatives as "expected", given the current political landscape.

"Members of any party facing such a situation will definitely flee, because as politicians, they need a platform for their struggles," he said, adding that PAS also welcomes any Umno lawmakers who want to join the Islamist party.

This echoes the call by PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man yesterday, that the party’s doors are open to any MP, assemblyperson or ordinary member who wants to join it.

With 54 MPs, Umno initially had the largest number of parliamentary representatives despite losing power in the 14th general election.

It is now left with 38 MPs and is relegated to being the third-largest party behind PKR and DAP. - Mkini