PAS to stick with Pakatan

(The Star) – Despite being at odds with its Pakatan Rakyat partners over certain issues, PAS has no intention of breaking up its partnership with PKR and DAP.

PAS spiritual leader Datuk Seri Nik Aziz Nik Mat had been very vocal about PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s purported defence of Israel, but he did not feel the disagreement warranted a review of the partnership.

“Cannot, cannot. I absolutely do not agree. We practise the Islamic concept of tahaluf,” Nik Aziz responded when asked whether he would review PAS’ partnership with Pakatan Rakyat.

The tahaluf siyasi concept has been promoted by PAS to its supporters for the past few years, in which it establishes cooperation with non-Muslim parties to achieve a common goal in politics.

Last Monday, Nik Aziz said PAS’ Syura Council (Council of Religious Elders) had met and decided that Anwar must retract his recent statement in The Wall Street Journal, or sue the international newspaper if his statement was misreported.

Several PAS members, including its deputy Youth chief Nik Abduh Aziz, had also publicly expressed their displeasure towards DAP national chairman Karpal Singh on the Valentine’s Day issue.

Tanjong PAS permanent chairman Zaidi Abu Bakar had reportedly urged PAS to return to its true Islamic roots instead of concentrating on winning votes and gaining power.