We supported Dr M even before GE14, Takiyuddin tells Saifuddin Nasution

(FMT) – Opposition party PAS has denied claims made by PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution that it is supporting Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad now only after the fall of former prime minister Najib Razak in GE14.

The Islamist party’s secretary-general, Takiyuddin Hassan, said this was not true as his party had held negotiations with PPBM leaders even before the last general election but they did not progress due to DAP.

He said PAS had approached PPBM leaders such as Mahathir, Muhyiddin Yassin and Mukhriz Mahathir but these talks could not go far as PAS wanted cooperation without the presence of DAP.

Takiyuddin said the fact that PAS did not cooperate with BN during GE14 showed that PAS stood alone in more than 150 parliamentary seats against BN and PH to create a three-way contest, he said in a statement.

The Kota Bharu MP added that due to this three-way contest, PH was able to take over Putrajaya, adding this would have been impossible if PAS had supported or cooperated with BN.

“PAS will continue to support Mahathir to lead the country as he is able to secure the position of Islam and Malays, while taking into account the interests and rights of all other races,” he added.

The PH coalition is made up of PPBM, PKR, Amanah and DAP.