The passing of PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat marks the end of an era of top PAS leaders who were committed to political cooperation with opposition parties such as PKR and DAP.

This shift was already felt from within PAS own ranks, particularly since Nik Abdul Aziz took a back seat after the 13th general election as he battled prostate cancer, noted Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (Pasma) chief Phahrolrazi Zawawi.

"In the past, we saw leaders who strongly believed in Pakatan (and previously in Barisan Alternatif) and objected to having a relationship with Umno, such as (former PAS president) Fadzil Noor and Nik Aziz.

"Now we have lost such leaders,” Phahrolrazi ( right ) told Malaysiakini when contacted.

He said this was made worse by the jailing of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who had been instrumental in mediating between the opposition parties.

Pasma, comprising of PAS members who dissented from the party’s drift away from Pakatan, was founded last year to advocate for its continued cooperation with partners PKR and DAP.

As it is, the former Kedah PAS deputy commissioner acknowledged that the prospect of PAS’ future in Pakatan does not look promising.

"With the stance of the new team between (PAS deputy spiritual leader) Haron Din and (PAS president) Abdul Hadi Awang, things are looking uncertain.

"Which is why the party’s muktamar this June will be very important,” said Phahrolrazi.

He said ultimately, it will be up to PAS delegates to decide the party’s future in Pakatan at the party’s annual general assembly this year, or muktamar, where its biennial election will be held.

"The leadership that will be elected will determine if PAS is committed to Pakatan or merely becomes a loose member of Pakatan as it is now.

"The muktamar will decide if the agenda of Nik Aziz and Fadhil will continue as in the past and (members) are prepared to make compromises," he said.

Pasma pressures to stick with Pakatan

As for Pasma, Phahrolrazi said he will continue to advocate for Pakatan, despite the PAS syura council forbidding members from joining the NGO.

"It has to be understood that the majority of those who voted for Pakatan are not only party members but also supporters.

"We will function as a pressure group to remind the leaders of political parties about the people’s hope which have been placed on Pakatan," he said.

Pasma had previously angered PAS after it met with DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

However, Phahrolrazi said the NGO will seek a formal meeting with PKR next.

"We have already met with the PAS leadership three months back but they still have a negative perception about us.

"We are only a platform for Pakatan supporters. We are not trying to challenge or replace PAS; we’re just an NGO," he said.

The Pakatan leadership council meeting had not convened for more than four months after Abdul Hadi refused to attend the meeting.

DAP had insisted that Abdul Hadi attend the meeting after he overruled the council’s decisions which were agreed upon by his subordinates sent in his place.

Abdul Hadi finally attended the meeting on Monday, a day before Anwar’s jailing, but divisive issues among the partners such as hudud and local council election, remained unresolved.

Nik Aziz passed away on Thursday, just two days after Anwar was sentenced to five years in prison for sodomy, a charge the opposition leader claims to be politically motivated.

Despite Abdul Hadi’s insistence that PAS will not quit Pakatan, its relationship with its partners has been cold.

The conservative faction in the party also launched a broadside against PAS leaders who are upset with Abdul Hadi’s stance, branding them as "traitors".