PKR never betrayed political cooperation with PAS, says Wan Azizah

(The Star) – PKR has never betrayed PAS throughout their political collaboration, says Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The PKR president said they tried their best to maintain cooperation with the Islamist party but acknowledged PAS’ decision to sever ties with them.

On Thursday, the PAS Syura Council at its meeting endorsed the decision made by the party’s recent muktamar to end political ties with PKR.

Dr Wan Azizah said in a statement on Friday that PKR supported efforts to strengthen the Syariah Courts.

Despite the Syura Council’s decision, Dr Wan Azizah said the Selangor state government under the leadership of Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali would continue to function as usual as it was formed on the people’s mandate in the last general election.

PAS has 13 seats in the Selangor legislative assembly. The Islamist party won 15 seats in the 2013 polls but lost two after Morib assemblyman Hasnul Baharuddin and Hulu Kelang assemblyman Saari Sungib jumped ship to Party Amanah Negara in 2015.

Dr Wan Azizah added that they were committed to defending Kelantan, Selangor and Penang in the coming general election.

She also reiterated PKR’s commitment to oppose Barisan Nasional, saying that all their decisions including on the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections were to defeat the ruling party.

“All progressive political parties must join forces to save Malaysia by setting aside their respective interests and prioritising the people’s agenda,” she said.

PAS’ decision to terminate political cooperation with PKR was based on three reasons – the failure by PKR to show support for PAS’ Islamic agenda, including the tabling of the proposed Bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965; PKR’s attack on PAS leadership; and its decision to work with others who want to topple the Kelantan government, besides going against PAS in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections.