PAS' New Hope (Harapan Baru) or G18 movement's plan to set up a new inclusive democratic Islamic platform, and maybe even a new party, is picking up steam.

However the movement's secretary, Dzulkefly Ahmad, cautioned against rushing to set up a new party to replace PAS in the opposition.

"We want it to be really a research and evidence based, not 'syok sendiri' (self indulgent) or much less, seen as 'gopoh' (hasty), like people who are disappointed, so don't rush us," he told Malaysiakini .

The New Hope group is led by PAS progressives, who were booted out from the party leadership in this year's muktamar.

While Dzulkefly (photo ) cautioned against being too quick to set up a new party, he also warned that the movement should not take their own sweet time.

"We can't take too long. We must be bold and assertive, but still wise. [...] We have to strategise and plan well.

"Hence it needs time, but we know timing is of the essence," he said.

When asked if there was a timeline, Dzulkefly replied that it depended on how fast they can gather feedback for them to consider their next step.

"It depends on how fast we can gather a feedback base that is as wide as possible, so we can understand the core of the people's demands, from all constituencies, NGOs, individuals regardless of race, religion, and culture.

"This is so that we truly reflect the need and demands of the New Hope, a top down approach," he added.

New party is purely hypothetical

Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin however told Malaysiakini that for now, setting up a new party is purely hypothetical.

"Whether we will set up a new political party remains to be seen. For the time being there is no decision.

"There was a demand from certain quarters, from grassroots, (but) whether we meet the demand, this is all hypothetical," Hanipa ( photo ) said.

And even if a party is set up, his compatriot, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad said their goal is not to cripple PAS.

"'Crippling PAS' influence' is not the target. The target is to have a firm coalition before the 14th general elections which the rakyat can trust," he said.

Khalid had previously issued an ultimatum to PAS leaders to change their ways within 100 days from the muktamar, or be prepared to face a new political party.

The progressives have deemed that the new all-Ulama leadership in PAS, is making the party more introverted and closed minded, with the syura council wielding too much power .

As such, they have aspired to set up a new more democratic and inclusive Islamic party, that is open to people of all faiths as long they adhere to the party's struggle.

Meanwhile, political analyst Wan Saiful Wan Jan ( photo ) told Malaysiakini the formation of the new party is being delayed by Ramadan.

"If you set up a new party, you need to immediately follow it up with ceramah, roadshows and national tours, but because it is the fasting month that is simply not possible, because of terawih prayers and all that," he said.

He added that the momentum is definitely building up, and Malaysians should expect the G18 to make an announcement as soon as possible.