Awkward for Pas to remain in PN

SHAH ALAM – Pas’ position in Perikatan Nasional (PN) is seen as awkward if the party no longer has confidence in Bersatu and the coalition’s founder, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council (MPT) member Dr Afif Bahardin said this situation arises as Pas had previously made a unilateral decision to sever its cooperation with Bersatu.

“In that case, the honourable thing to do is to return PN to its founder, Muhyiddin.

“In my view, if Pas no longer trusts Bersatu, it would be rather awkward and embarrassing for Pas to remain in PN, which was founded by Muhyiddin, whom Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has already rejected and no longer trusts,” he told Sinar on Wednesday.

Previously, Pas shocked the national political landscape by deciding to immediately end its political cooperation with Bersatu.

However, the decision not only raised questions about the future of both parties, but also sparked a bigger question – who will eventually lead PN.

In the same development, Afif stressed that Bersatu’s commitment to PN has never changed and that the party continues to prioritise efforts to strengthen the coalition.

“PN is Muhyiddin’s brainchild, clearly led by an inclusive leader. In fact, he also expanded common ground among opposition parties through Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat,” he added.

He also noted that Muhyiddin, as PN’s founder, had previously been willing to relinquish the position of PN chairman to allow Pas to lead the coalition.

“The fact is, Pas decided to sever ties on its own accord. Not once has Bersatu sought to cut ties with anyone.

“Previously, when Muhyiddin stepped down as PN chairman, it was due to pressure from Pas leaders who wanted to take over the leadership,” he said.

Accordingly, the Taman Medan state assemblyman emphasised that the appropriate step for Pas is to return PN’s leadership to Muhyiddin.

“Pas can continue with Muafakat Nasional or other political cooperation that can be led by Hadi and other Pas leaders,” he said.