The nation may soon witness the birth of a new Islamist party, whose doors will be open to people of all faiths, provided that they agree with the core struggle.

But unlike PAS, the new party's objectives are more earthbound such as to battle against corruption and upholding justice.

Speaking to Malaysiakini , PAS lawmaker Khalid Samad said the party would still be guided by the principles of Islam.

"Our approach is more inclusive, we want all Muslim groups and non-Muslim groups to be with us and fight corruption. This is what (late PAS president) Fadzil Noor aspired for.

"It is an Islamic struggle, based on the principles of Islam. But if non-Muslims are willing to accept the basis of the struggle, then it's not a problem (for them to join)," he added.

While not speaking directly about a new party, Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa also said that an Islamist party must uphold justice and equality.

"The whole idea of Islamic principles is to uphold justice, equality to all, and also to be very inclusive. Islamic principles provide patronage for all races and religions. That should be the way forward to any political party to address the fast-changing political landscape," he said.

Unlike others, Khalid was clearer with the description and labelled the new initiative as a political party in the making. Some have chosen to call it a 'platform' instead.

"If PAS does not fulfil the vision of the inclusive kind of approach that has been built all this while, if it starts to be more introverted, focused more on chasing people out, only wants holy and chaste people with them, then that's definitely the approach (setting up a new party) that we want," he said.

To rope in leaders, Muslims and non-Muslims

While details remain sketchy, the progressives, now dubbed G18, plan to rope in professionals, activists, and NGO leaders, both Muslims and non-Muslims.

PAS too has a non-Muslim supporters wing, but its members are not allowed to vote during party elections.

G18 leaders refused to divulge if non-Muslim members would be given voting rights in the new party, saying it is premature to discuss this.

Details about the new party's leadership structure is also elusive, but it is believed that it will be led by former PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu ( photo ), who heads the G18.

Asked if the new more inclusive approach would eat into PKR's share of seats in Pakatan, former PAS central committee member Dzulkefly Ahmad said it was a non-issue.

"PKR and DAP has got its own constituencies. If a new party is formed, ours is getting to that very Muslim-based seats, the professional Malays who did not vote for PAS in the past and who are not PKR supporters either.

"Also Malay seats in the urban outskirts, these are our constituencies. Within the construct of a new Pakatan this is a non-issue. When we contest we will have a united front," he told Malaysiakini .

The formation of a new Islamist party comes in the wake of Pakatan's dissolution, following PAS' decision to sever ties with DAP.