PAS chapter bans members from joining party ‘traitors’ in Pasma
(Malay Mail Online) – The Federal Territories chapter of PAS has banned its members from participating in any activities organised by the new NGO Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (Pasma).
The chapter labelled those who joined Pasma, a movement formed to cement the relationship between PAS and federal opposition pact Pakatan Rakyat (PR), as “traitors” to the Islamist party.
“The chapter strictly prohibits any of its members to be involved with Pasma,” said a statement by its secretary Khairul Anuar Abdul Manap.
FT PAS said its members are prohibited from joining the group, creating chapters of the group, attending the group’s events, and even giving any form of assistance to its events.
“If any members are involved in the above activities, they will be labelled as traitors to PAS,” he added.
Pasma was formed by PAS members as a watchdog to ensure that the Islamist party retains its position in PR, and does not form any agreement or unity government with ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN).
The group has named Kedah PAS deputy commissioner and Pengkalan Kundor assemblyman Datuk Ir Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi (pic) as its president, and PAS Pasir Puteh MP Muhammad Husin as deputy president.
On Sunday, PAS information chief Datuk Mahfuz Omar clarified that Pasma was not formed by the party and is not part of the party.
Party secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali also denied reports that Pasma is a potential splinter party that was set up to challenge the Ulama wing aligned to president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
The senior PAS leader said it is commonplace for PAS leaders to form or be part of NGOs outside of the party’s ambit, and stressed that Pasma in no way signifies a split.
It was extensively reported earlier by the Malay media that a long list of leaders from PAS’ so-called “liberal” faction had signed up as Pasma office bearers, including Datuk Husam Musa, Dr Hatta Ramli, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Khalid Samad, among others.
Phahrolrazi has since denied the reports, claiming that the publicised list was different from the one in his hands.
