Calling PN govt 'temporary', Hadi wants union to persist in GE15

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang acknowledged that the Perikatan Nasional (PN)-led federal government which was put together following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan administration, is only temporary but hopes the new political coalition can persist in the next general election.

As such, he stressed that PAS must build on the unity that has been created in order to form a stronger government after the 15th general election (GE15).

"The PN government is continuing a new vision that will be detailed soon and in a short time through this temporary government. Simultaneously, it is prepared to build a stronger government through the democratic process in GE15.

"We must face GE15 based on the unity that we have built today. Do not allow disunity to arise in facing the coming general election," he said in his policy speech at the party's 66th muktamar in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan today.

In delivering his speech themed "Islam strengthens unity", Hadi said the formation of PN was gradual, starting with its Muafakat Nasional alliance with Umno.

The union continued with the participation of Sarawak's GPS, Muslim groups that left Harapan and also non-Muslims who are not extreme.

"These efforts for unity finally yielded results when it took over Putrajaya which was left vacant by Harapan that collapsed due to its own internal fighting," he added.

Hadi's call for a united front in GE15 was in contrast to its strategy in the 2018 general election where the party decided to go solo and single-handedly contested in 155 parliamentary constituencies.

It only won 18 parliamentary seats but was able to capture the state of Terengganu while retaining Kelantan.

"Let us unite in the political coalition that we have built, in facing GE15, and to build a stronger government," he said. 

Hadi assured that the rights of non-Muslims will be protected.

He also maintained that PAS does not lose out by being part of a political coalition.

"PAS never suffers losses in political cooperations with other parties as long as it remains steadfast with Islam," he said.

Hadi added that while PAS does not have absolute power in the government, its leaders must show a good example.

"Even though we have not reached a level of full control and are not yet satisfied, all PAS members at every level must do their duty and carry the message of Islam.

"At the very least, they must be good examples in terms of integrity and capability in carrying out their duties properly," he said.

PAS is part of the PN-led federal government and has three cabinet ministers.

It was co-opted into the government by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin who pulled his party out of Harapan in late February to form a new coalition administration.

However, Muhyiddin controls a thin three-seat majority in the 222-member Dewan Rakyat.

PN comprises Bersatu, BN, PAS, GPS, PBS and Star. However, Bersatu has a rocky relationship with BN, particularly with Umno.

PAS is also allied with Umno under Muafakat Nasional, putting it in an awkward position between Bersatu and Umno. - Mkini