PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the turnout at Bersih 4 over the weekend proved the Islamic party was still a major player in the country's politics.
"PAS has always gone all out for Bersih and anti-GST demonstrations except this time, where PAS did not mobilise its members for Bersih 4, therefore its impact (Bersih 4) was minimal.
"In fact, based on various media reports, it is understood PAS' absence was felt this time compared to past Bersih rallies.
"This proves PAS as the biggest opposition party (based on membership) continues to be a major factor in the country's mainstream politics," he said in a statement today.
Tuan Ibrahim said while PAS did not mobilise its members, the party still supported Bersih's demands as it sent a representative in the form of PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad.
"PAS did not ban its members from participating (in Bersih 4), the only difference is PAS did not mobilise members as there were already many (party) programmes arranged beforehand.
"Members could have chosen to go without any restrictions," he said.
However, Tuan Ibrahim said the incident where PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's poster was stomped on at Bersih 4 rally proved the party made the right call by not turning up.
"Such insulting incidents by provocateurs, even though isolated, will surely create unnecessary unease. This proved PAS's decision not to mobilise members was right," he said.
Tuan Ibrahim said PAS would press on with its agenda for change through different means, namely its Kongres Rakyat set to be held on Sept 12.
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