Pas assembly focuses on healing, internal growth, national issues

SHAH ALAM - Pas will hold its annual assembly this month, focusing on healing, stability and strengthening the party, while also addressing national and international issues.

Pas vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad said the gathering will reflect the party’s calm and disciplined approach compared to other political movements.

"This Pas assembly is for healing; it is calm and not chaotic compared to other parties. The first focus is internal party development. The second is on national political issues, particularly under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government today. The third focus is on international issues," he told Sinar.

Amid speculation from political observers that Pas should begin preparing for a leadership transition and possibly name a future Prime Minister candidate, Idris stressed that the party did not operate on the basis of ambition for power.

"Pas is different from other parties. Even when we were in government, our president was not eager to become a minister. He even requested not to have his name included in the list. Our president has never aimed for positions," he said.

He recalled that during the 14th General Election, party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang resisted contesting a state assembly seat in Terengganu despite strong pressure from party leaders.

"If he had wanted the Menteri Besar position, it would have been more powerful than being a minister, as it controls a whole state. That shows his personality.

"He is not one to lobby for positions, so the question of him wanting to be Prime Minister does not arise. For us, the most important thing is saving Malaysia and its politics. That is the objective of Pas and our president," he added.

Turning to the issue of Malay political unity, Idris acknowledged the lingering hope among grassroots Umno members for closer cooperation with Pas, even if some party elites remained reluctant.

"For us, unity among those of the same race and religion is a priority. We believe that if we are united, other communities will also feel comfortable and included. Umno has strong grassroots machinery just like Pas. That’s why we hope this unity becomes a reality," he said.