'Can't run with hares and hunt with hounds'

DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh today issued a stern warning to PAS, calling it to cease holding 'unity talks' with Umno.

He also questioned the Islamic party's sincerity in being part of the fledgling Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

In a statement, Karpal said PAS will be doing Pakatan a "serious disservice" should it continue with the talks.

"The time has come for PAS to reassess its position in Pakatan. PAS should realise it cannot run with the hares and hunt with the hounds.

"The hounds in Umno will teach it a bitter lesson if it insists on moves to form an unity government with Umno. PAS should carefully consider the direction of its destiny," he said.

Instead of 'unity talks', Karpal said PAS should divert its resources to strengthening its ties with PKR and DAP in preparation to face Barisan Nasional in the next general election.

DAP has limits to its patience

He said Pakatan supporters which gave it the mandate to rule five states and hold 81 seats in Parliament did not envisage PAS having unity talks with Umno.

"PAS should, and must, realise that DAP has limits to its patience. It should not push its agenda which adversely affects Pakatan too far," he added.

Karpal said PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang - the staunchest supporter of the 'unity talks' - must remember that PAS joined Barisan Nasional in 1971, but it was followed by a bitter separation.

"It appears PAS has not learnt a lesson," he added.

Karpal also flayed Abdul Hadi for claiming that DAP had agreed to such talks with Umno, during meetings between top Pakatan leaders.

"Abdul Hadi had chosen to mislead not only PAS members and leaders, but also the rakyat," he said.

Karpal said PAS cannot steer the Pakatan coalition to its fancy because the party was not in a position to do so, adding that PAS’ victories in the Kuala Terengganu and Bukit Gantang by-elections was a Pakatan joint effort.

Furthermore, Karpal argued that PAS only has 24 seats in Parliament, as opposed to 28 seats held by DAP and 31 held by PKR.

"PAS should realise it is not the dominant party in Pakatan Rakyat," he said.