PAS has dared Gerakan Harapan Baru to set up its planned new political party right away instead of waiting until mid-September.

"If they insist on setting up a new political party, it must be done immediately.

"Their credibility is being questioned as their direction appears unclear," PAS vice-president Iskandar Abdul Samad said in a statement today.

Iskandar said the delay showed that those behind Harapan Baru lacked confidence in garnering sufficient support.

Harapan Baru comprises PAS progressive leaders who were ousted from the party leadership by the conservative faction at the 61st PAS muktamar in June.

Iskandar ( photo ) pointed out that Harapan Baru was initially planned to be set up in the middle of August, but this was postponed to the beginning of September and later to the middle of September.

Only an NGO?

"I will not be surprised if the setting up of the party is delayed again if the rakyat's support is seen to be lacklustre.

"Furthermore, I will not be surprised if the setting up of the party is scrapped altogether and it (Harapan Baru) only remains as an NGO," he said.

Iskandar said Harapan Baru should focus its efforts on toppling Umno instead of bringing ruin to PAS.

"Matters championed by them (Harapan Baru), such as inclusiveness and opening up to non-Muslims, have long existed in PAS.

"It is time to strengthen PAS, because Umno will certainly be delighted if there is a split in the party (PAS)," he said.