Seven MPs from PAS set to join new party once formed

(The Star) – The seven MPs’ departure would shrink the Islamist party’s strength in parliament by one-third, making it impossible for it to push its hudud agenda.

This National Day will see at least seven MPs breaking free from PAS as splinter group Gerakan Harapan Baru announces its formation as a new party.

GHB secretary Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said PAS could only eject them from the party, but not from the parliamentary and state seats.

“Those joining the new party will remain as MPs and assemblymen, as we form a new coalition Pakatan 2.0 with our partners DAP and PKR,” he said.

The seven MPs’ departure would shrink the Islamist party’s strength in parliament by one-third, making it impossible for it to push its hudud agenda.

Among those aligned with GHB are Kuala Terengganu MP Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad, Parit Buntar MP Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, Sepang MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin and Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.

Others associated with GHB are Tumpat MP Kamarudin Jaffar, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad and Kuala Krai MP Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli.

“They will be joining our new party at their own pace,” Dzulkefly said, declining to name the MPs.

GHB is also unperturbed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s announcement that the Registrar of Society would reject the application to form a new party called Parti Progresif Islam.

Mujahid said they would go ahead and announce the formation of their new party as scheduled on Merdeka Day.

“We do not know why ROS wants to reject the name,” he said.

“Islam is the religion of the Federation.

“There should be no problem using the word Islam to name parties, unless they are trying to make it difficult for GHB to form the new party,” he said.

On ROS official’s claim that GHB did not submit any proposal to form a new party, Mujahid said there were many dormant parties that they could takeover and re-name.

“Islam will still be the basis of our new party,” he said.

“We want to project a progressive and inclusive Islam.”