KUALA LUMPUR, June 8, 2015:
Newly-elected PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man stressed the Islamic party will not cooperate with Umno despite several decisions reached during the party’s 61st Muktamar.
He was responding to a report by a local daily quoting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as saying that Umno was ready to negotiate with PAS.
In a report by Berita Harian, Najib expressed his willingness to hold a discussion with PAS for the benefit of the Muslim community, after evaluating the election results, which saw the ulama faction holding the top posts in the party.
However, Tuan Ibrahim stressed any decision on cooperating with their chief rival would stick to decisions made during the PAS Syura Council on May 19.
“There is no need for Najib to take advantage and slander PAS. Don’t try to use PAS to misdirect the people from other important issues.
“Najib can run away from the ‘Nothing2Hide’ forum. However, he cannot run away from the country’s problems,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, when asked on his opinion on the reason Najib made such a statement, former central committee member Khalid Samad said he was not sure if it was done in sincerity or maliciously.
“I don’t know whether he intended to create commotion in PAS or what his hidden agenda is.
“What I know is that if the victory is for our opponent, it would be our downfall,” he said when contacted by The Rakyat Post.
When asked if there should be a balance between the ulama and the professionals in the party, the Shah Alam Member of Parliament said such a question should not arise.
“The main point here is our direction. Without a clear direction, being balanced is useless.”
Earlier today, Kuala Terengganu lawmaker Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said it was better for PAS to have a “balanced team” in order for the party to be healthy.
Drawing parallels to that of a football team, the PAS representative said the party should consists of “defenders, midfielders and strikers”.