The formal announcement regarding a new opposition bloc was delayed due to several unexpected snags, including a power outage at the PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

After power was restored some 30 minutes later, the press conference was moved to a nearby hotel because the headquarters could not accommodate the large number of people present.

Spotted at the venue was Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) president and former Umno minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir.

It is believed that PAS will collaborate with Ikatan to form what is touted as the third force.