Pakatan pulled apart by opposing stances, says PM

(The Star) – The tiff between the DAP and PAS over the sale of beer in the Muslim-majority areas of Selangor shows that the state government is struggling with fundamental differences in its ranks.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in making the observation, said there was no telling how much longer the Pakatan Rakyat coalition could last in the state.

“The fundamental differences are large, especially between the DAP and PAS. I don’t know whether this coalition can last or not because of their fundamentally opposing political stances,” he said yesterday.

Najib said that in governing a state, there was a need to have a common stand on principles and ideology despite having differences in opinions. He said the people would have to evaluate for themselves the situation unfolding in the Selangor state assembly.

“I think there will be many questions asked on whether the coalition can remain intact or not.”

PAS Youth meanwhile wants the Selangor Government to quickly draft clear guidelines on the sale of beer in the state.

Its deputy chief Azman Shapawi Ab Rani said the guidelines should give a clear picture on ways to curb the sale of alcoholic beverages to Muslims and minors.