Pas excluded from Pakatan Rakyat 2.0

(NST) – PKR has picked Pas splinter Gerakan Harapan Baru (GHB) as partner in a newly proposed opposition pact, sending signals for the Islamic party to run solo ahead of the next general election.

Speaking behind bars after he was convicted of sodomy, PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his party was putting together a new line-up which includes GHB and other non-governmental organisations such as Bersih, Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) and Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram).

Pas did not receive mention and Anwar said the new coalition would consist of “progressive forces”. He also said the new pact would focus on a “great struggle to save Malaysia”.

“We are working towards a strengthened coalition which will encompass all progressive forces, including NGOs such as Bersih, Ikram and the newly formed GHB. Let us all put aside all other considerations and differences,” said Anwar in a statement yesterday.

Expected to be registered as a political party next month, GHB was formed by former Pas top leaders and Anwaristas, who were ousted by Pas’ ulama camp at the party polls in June.

The divide within Pas grew wider after GHB’s heavy criticism against new ulama leadership and opting to be remain friendly with DAP, after the disintegration of Pakatan.

DAP also said it was willing to work with GHB, on the heels of severed ties with Pas.

Among those in the interim committee led by former Pas No.2 Mohamad Sabu are former vice-presidents Salahuddin Ayub, Datuk Husam Musa, Pas parliamentarians Dr Hatta Ramli, Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, former youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat and former Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib.