DAP feud has PAS worried

(The Star) – Penang PAS is disturbed over the ongoing spat between DAP chairman Karpal Singh and his deputy secretary-general Dr P. Ramasamy.

If this open-ended conflict worsens, it may impact the political support for the Pakatan Rakyat alliance, said state PAS deputy commissioner III Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

Although PAS regards the issue as an internal matter of DAP, but as a Pakatan partner, it cannot help but feel concerned over what has transpired, Dr Mujahid, who is the Parit Buntar MP, said in an interview.

“I am a nobody to advise the likes of Karpal, a veteran Opposition figure, or Dr Ramasamy, our Deputy Chief Minister II here. However, PAS hopes the matter can be resolved fast.”

Every political party that practises democracy could face conflicts and misunderstandings but what is important, is how the party resolves them, said Dr Mujahid.

Penang Barisan Nasional secretary Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya said that party leaders who espoused democracy should be able to stomach and not take offence to such trivial remarks as ‘warlords’ and ‘godfathers’.

“This is the impression that is formed by the public when they witnessed how the DAP leaders bickered among themselves during the Penang DAP convention (last Sunday),” said Dr Hilmi.

Asked whether the perceived internal rift among the DAP leaders would give Barisan an advantage in the next general election, Dr Hilmi replied that it was still up to the voters to make their choice.

“I am sure that they are wise enough to decide who they want to run the state government.”