Hadi says no to PAS joining new opposition coalition

(The Star) – PAS will not join the new opposition coalition, says Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (pic).

Speaking to reporters after his weekly Friday sermon at the Rusila Mosque here, Abdul Hadi said the Islamist party had its own vision.

“PAS has its own policies and mission. For us, what we want is no interference in what we are championing for. We don’t want to be criticised for our struggles and see everything we want sidelined,” said the PAS president.

He added that it was uncertain if the new coalition – with DAP, PKR, Amanah and a new party headed by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad – would survive.

“We have no problems in working with any party that is in line with ours, especially when it comes to matters concerning Islam. (But) we don’t want others to meddle in matters involving Muslims.

“And if such interferences take place and we are being attacked, then we would have no choice but to defend and fight back, regardless if it is Umno, DAP, PKR, or Amanah.

“We have always tried working together with other parties but in the end, we become the punching bags,” he said.

He added that a deciding factor on working together with the new coalition was to see how many people supported PAS’ Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act.