Mufti: PAS and Umno much alike, should work to remarry

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Opposition party PAS and the ruling party Umno aren’t that much different from each other, and should seriously explore the possibility of reuniting for the benefit of the people.

“PAS and Umno are brothers in the faith. If we understand correctly, they are actually not far different in terms of character and ideals,” wrote Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin on his Facebook today.

Asri said the PAS in the past may be possibly different from Umno, but the Islamic party today is practically like the ruling party in all aspects, “apart from the difference in name, kopiah and songkok only”, he said.

“And those are not the fundamental reasons (for being apart)?”

The outspoken Perlis mufti noted how PAS has “repeatedly failed” to cooperate with the opposition alliance.

“They failed because of the party’s character and ideals that they hold.

“PAS should therefore try harder with Umno in a serious effort,” he said.

“Who knows, perhaps some good would come to the umat (Muslims) and the country from this,” Asri said.

In his seemingly enthusiastic posting, he said at present, it would seem “wonderful” if PAS could repair ties and reconsider Umno with ties that are more “mature, strong but amicable” and that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s “idea” can be at last realised.

Long courtship

The mufti’s comments come following allegations by a former PAS vice-president Husam Musa that Hadi had attempted to form a unity government in Selangor with Umno’s help during the height of the menteri besar crisis.

In the run up to the Islamic party’s leadership elections this year, Hadi’s contender for the party presidency, Ustaz Ahmad Awang, also reportedly revealed the party leadership’s attempts to do the same in Perak , shortly after the state fell into opposition hands in the landmark 2008 general election.

Apart from the political intrigue with the long-running speculation of a BN-PAS ‘unity government’, which Hadi yesterday finally denied , Husam also accused the Kelantan government of illegal logging issues.

The party said it would call Husam up to explain his recent attacks on the party.

Related stories:

Amanah: PAS cutting ties with Salleh Man 'good decision'

PKR MP: 'Sexy attire' of athletes may lead to illicit sex

DAP staying put in S'gor to 'keep PAS from mischief'



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