Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (PasMa) will form a political offshoot soon, said its president Phahrolrazi Zawawi.

He said the new party will be formed through a committee whose members consist of various pro-Pakatan Rakyat NGOs.

"PasMa today decided that a political party must be established to replace PAS in Pakatan," he told a press conference in Shah Alam today.

"PasMa will remain as a NGO and will not become a political party. We will remain in our current role.

"Matters related to the formation of this political party will be handled by a committee to obtain the agreement of all quarters," he added.

Multiracial membership

Meanwhile, Phahrolrazi said the committee will start carrying out its role after Hari Raya next month.

The planned political party, which has yet to be named, will be different from PAS as members will consist of non-Muslims as well.

Phahrolrazi also claimed that he received positive signals from several PAS leaders who had been defeated in the party polls.

"One or two PAS leaders who were defeated in the recent muktamar have contacted me and gave me positive signals. Just give them time as they had recently faced a crushing defeat," he said.

He explained that the new party will also have something like PAS' Supporters Congress (DHPP) which will play a big role.

"We will suggest that the party is open to enable other races to join as party members," he said.

The formation of the party will also give PAS members a choice between staying with PAS or joining the new political party.

"PAS members can now judge on whether they agree with the new ulama leadership in the party or whether they want to be part of an open and inclusive party," he said.