A tussle for the soul of Pas

By Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider

A power struggle appears to be shaping up in Pas between the two most influential leaders in the Islamist party over a recent suggestion for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and the Barisan Nasional (BN) to form a unity government.

The party’s spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said yesterday he was against the idea.

The idea to form a unity government was suggested by Pas president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang early this month and has attracted strong opposition from within the party and Umno.

In making the suggestion, Hadi said BN could not on its own bring the country out of the economic crisis.

But his remarks have reignited speculation that the party wants to resume its failed attempt to work with Umno.

Secret talks were held between Pas and Umno leaders following last year’s landmark elections, which saw BN conceding significant ground to the opposition and contributing to the eventual formation of an alternative political coalition.

But the talks, which were favoured by Hadi’s allies in the party, were aborted due to strong opposition from within the party, especially among the grassroots.

The debacle revealed the existence of two distinct factions within the party. The side supporting closer ties with Umno were labelled the ulama faction, while Nik Aziz and those who supported Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim were tagged the Erdogans because of the Opposition Leader’s close ties with the Turkish leader.

Yesterday, Nik Aziz showed his displeasure at renewed talk of closer ties with Umno and BN.

“We have tried joining a coalition government with BN before but was not appreciated. Our first attempt failed not because of us, I have learnt my lesson,” Nik Aziz reportedly said.

“As long as I am not happy, it will be very hard for me to accept the proposal,” he added.