Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera (PasMa), which initially wanted to form a new Islamic party, has hit the pause button for its plans after the G18 expressed a similar intention.

However, PasMa president Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi ( photo ) said the NGO will recommence its efforts if G18 is unable to form a new political  party.

He said in the meantime, they will still support G18 if the latter has plans for a new party in the pipeline.

He said PasMa believes an Islamic party is needed in the opposition coalition following the demise of Pakatan Rakyat.

"If G18 does not form a political party, we (PasMa) will take the initiative; we will assume the responsibility (to form a new party).

"However, now that there is a group (G18) who wants to form a new party, so we give them a chance," he told Malaysiakini today.

Time ripe for a new party

G18 refers to the group of progressive PAS leaders who were wiped out in the recent PAS elections.

Phahrolrazi said the formation of a new party required the cooperation of many factions and cannot be done alone.

"We are an NGO that extends support, so we will support whatever is needed," he said.

Before this, the PAS progressive faction implied that they may form a new party if the Islamic party’s new pro-ulama leadership does not fulfill the inclusive approach as agreed before.

Certain quarters, including PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, have predicted doom for a PAS splinter party, given that such entities have failed to survive in the past.

However, the progressives believe that times have changed and the future is bright for a new party