Pas supporters back split with Bersatu, say PN remains best platform

JOHOR BAHRU - Pas supporters in Johor view the party’s decision to part ways with Bersatu while remaining under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner as a strategic move that could strengthen the coalition’s position and maintain its appeal among voters.

They believe the move allows Pas to preserve its identity while continuing to leverage PN’s established recognition among voters familiar with the coalition.

Administrative officer Mohamad Firdaus Adnan, 34, said retaining the PN logo was important as Johor voters had become familiar with the coalition.

“I think it is a good decision, especially in Johor. Voters here are familiar with Perikatan Nasional, so I believe the coalition has a strong chance of performing well in the Johor state election, God willing,” he told Sinar Daily.

He added that Pas’ move to strengthen PN by bringing in groups such as Wawasan and Pejuang could broaden the coalition’s appeal.

“Within the coalition, we aim to grow stronger, not only with Bersatu but also by welcoming smaller, non-extremist parties to join us.

“Bringing Wawasan and Pejuang into the coalition strengthens it and helps broaden its acceptance among Malaysians, especially in Johor,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Luqman Bukhari, 36, said Pas’ decision reflected the party’s commitment to maintaining its principles while working within a coalition.

He said Pas had always prioritised its values when forming political partnerships and would not hesitate to distance itself from parties that failed to uphold cooperation.

“I think it is a very good decision for now because Pas has always been a party that stands firmly by its Islamic principles.

“Whenever Pas works with another party, it gives its full commitment. However, if a partner betrays that cooperation or fails to act sincerely, Pas will not hesitate to end the relationship,” he said.

Meanwhile, supervisor Khairus Syakirin, 39, said Pas had been patient before deciding to part ways with Bersatu, claiming that repeated issues involving the party had influenced the leadership’s decision.

“Based on my observations, Pas had been patient for a long time. There had been one issue after another involving Bersatu.

“Eventually, the leadership assessed how Bersatu was operating and concluded that parting ways was the right decision,” he said.

He added that Pas wanted to avoid internal conflicts that could weaken the coalition.

“We do not want what Malays call a ‘thorn in the flesh’ or ‘scissors in the fold’ — someone working against us from within,” he said.

Meanwhile, on future cooperation ahead of the 16th General Election, Luqman said PN remained the best platform for Pas as the party seeks to expand its influence.

“At the moment, the coalition includes parties such as Pejuang, Wawasan and Bersatu. Several other parties have expressed interest in joining.

“I believe Pas will continue leading the coalition and build it into a platform that gains the strongest support from Malaysians,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that PN could offer an alternative administration if allowed to govern.

“We have already tried Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. Malaysia has yet to experience a federal government led by PN under Pas’ leadership.

“We should be given the opportunity and, God willing, people will see a different approach,” he said.