Gerakan’s inner conflict: I’m unaware of it, PAS veep says

 

PAS vice president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said he was unaware of Perikatan Nasional's partner, Gerakan’s inner conflict about whether to remain in the coalition after the state polls.

However, he urged all PN component parties to support the coalition in gearing up towards the upcoming six state elections.

“This is my first time hearing this. Gerakan has not communicated the matter.

“...However, I believe that there are loyal supporters in PN component parties and the party’s role is to convince their members to support the coalition.

“I feel that if there are issues, it should be raised at the party’s level, but most important is that we get the maximum support during state elections, and getting the support of the public and young voters that are not (currently) aligned with us,” he said.

Samsuri said this during a press conference after the K-Pro Convention Professional Malaysia 2.0 in Shah Alam today.

Earlier today, FMT quoted sources saying that Gerakan was split down the middle as to whether to remain in PN or otherwise.

According to a party insider, many Gerakan members were unhappy with PAS’ statements which generally targeted non-Malays and non-Muslims.

“The discontented members don’t want the party to be associated with PAS,” the source was quoted as saying, adding that Gerakan’s ties to PAS had alienated its non-Malay voters.

However, the source said that the other 50 percent of the party would rather stick to PAS for its large support base.

Another source, FMT quoted, said that Gerakan members agreed the party should not revert to being a “third force” as was the case when the party quit the BN coalition in 2018, before joining PN in 2021.

The source added that Gerakan’s views were being taken more seriously than when it was with BN.

Federal Territories Gerakan chief Lau Hoi Keong, who is contesting for the Gerakan president post previously indicated that the party's position in PN could be reconsidered after the state polls.

Federal Territories Gerakan chief Lau Hoi Keong

Lau said as the state elections are coming, he will only support the party to remain in PN temporarily.

Meanwhile, Samsuri, who is also the incumbent Terengganu menteri besar, called for election rules to be imposed on all parties and not be limited to the opposition party alone to level the playing field.

“I am not just referring to 3R (race, religion, royalty) issues but any new rules should be non-threatening or intimidating to the voters.

“The rules should apply to all, not just opposition parties but also government ones too,” he said.

He said this in response to DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang suggesting that all political parties and candidates contesting in the upcoming state elections enter into an agreement not to exploit 3R-related issues.

Lim’s call came on the heels of several police investigations into a number of political leaders for allegedly touching on 3R-related issues - including PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

Lim and his son, DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng are also being investigated for touching on 3R issues.

Separately, Bersatu vice president Radzi Jidin announced that PN’s manifesto has been completed and will be announced soon.

“The manifestos are being prepared separately at the state level and the central committee will only act to coordinate them.

“The manifestos are at their final stages of completion and contain our offer for the state elections. We will reveal them in due time,” he said. - Mkini