Johor PKR may sever ties with PAS and support GHB, says source

(The Rakyat Post) – The state PKR in Johor will be looking at severing its ties with PAS and throwing their support behind the newly-formed Gerakan Harapan Baru (GHB) movement to further their struggles in the state.

It is learnt that the working relationship between PAS and PKR has become “non-functional” after the Islamist party decided to officially sever ties with their former ally DAP in the recent muktamar.

A PKR source, close to the state leadership, said the association between PKR and PAS in Johor has come to a point where there is no direction.

“Our party members see the relationship as not being beneficial, as the original objectives under the previous Pakatan Rakyat pact is no more relevant.

“GHB is seen as being more promising for us and we will support the movement, while still maintaining a good working relationship with the state DAP,” revealed the source to The Rakyat Post today.

It is understood that the state-level relationship between PAS and PKR took a turn for the worst after many of its progressive leaders were dropped from their state posts after their muktamar in early June this year.

Former progressive state PAS leaders such as Aminolhuda Hassan and Dzulkefly Ahmad were dropped from their posts.

Tomorrow morning will see the official launching of the state GHB in Taman Universiti in Johor Baru, where former progressive PAS leaders such as Mohamad Sabu and Salahuddin Ayob are scheduled to attend.

The source said the establishment of GHB in Johor by former PAS progressive leaders had also given a good reason for the state PKR to work together as a solid Opposition pact.

“The Johor GHB leaders are well known to us and have been supportive of most of our plans.

“These same people were also our strongest allies during the two previous general elections and they have been supportive and understanding of us in Johor,” said the source.

At present, the source said, it did not make sense for the state party to continue with PAS in Johor due to differing agendas as the Islamist party was now aggressive in promoting its hudud stance and have become “supportive” of Umno in several instances.

However, the source said Johor PKR was still awaiting a firm decision from its national leadership on the matter.

Meanwhile, Johor PKR deputy chairman Jimmy Puah said the party’s state leadership was looking forward to forge a long-term pact with the GHB movement in the state as a continuation of the party’s political struggles.

“We have been closely monitoring the plans and do not foresee any problems or issues as the we have worked with the GHB leadership in their previous capacities as PAS state leaders,” he said when contacted today.

Puah, who is also the Bukit Batu assemblyman, said Johor PKR had been in communication with the state’s GHB leadership for several weeks and the movement’s establishment was highly awaited by them.

“PKR is open to working with any individuals or parties that share our political ideals and aspirations for the rakyat.

“At present, I understand that GHB is still a movement pending its official registration as a political party,” he said.

Puah added that there were no plans yet by Johor PKR, but was hopeful that both sides could work together on common issues.