‘Short-sighted’ to cut ties with PAS, says Azmin

PKR Deputy President says a fractured Opposition will only make it easier for Barisan Nasional to stay in power.

(FMT) – Cutting ties with Islamist party PAS will do the Opposition no favours and is a “short-sighted” political strategy, says PKR Deputy President Azmin Ali.

Azmin, who is also Selangor Menteri Besar said that as long as the Opposition coalition could not see eye to eye with PAS, it would be difficult to beat ruling coalition Barisan Nasional in any election and to take over Putrajaya.

“The moment you sever ties with any Opposition party, including PAS, it will not help our efforts in bringing changes.

“We should not be short-sighted in deciding our strategy,” The Sun Daily reported him as saying after attending a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the state secretariat building here.

In driving home his point, Azmin recounted BN’s victory in both the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar parliamentary by-elections this year, saying it was due to PAS and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) both contesting the seats that resulted in split votes for the Opposition.

He said the Opposition’s political cooperation with PAS was necessary going forward and that both sides had to agree to disagree.

“I think that is the best option available for us now, by continuing engagements and consultations (with other parties).

“There are differences (and) we must agree to disagree… I think that is the only way to move forward,” The Sun Daily quoted him as saying.