MUKTAMAR A PAS central delegate from Terengganu has urged the Islamist party to put in serious efforts towards formalising its third bloc in preparations for the 14th general election.

The delegate, Dr Alias Razak, said he hoped the third bloc would not only be realised on paper but also translated into action at all levels of the party.

He said the third bloc was important to ensure that PAS would be able to regain votes lost after its failed relationship with Pakatan Rakyat.

“After parting ways with Pakatan Rakyat, we must admit that we have lost (support of) the voters. We hope that PAS puts in serious efforts because this is the best chance to attract ‘on the fence’ voters.

“We must be serious so that this third bloc can drown Pakatan Harapan because they are our main rivals right now,” he said.

Alias said this during the debate on the president’s speech at the PAS 62nd muktamar in Kota Baru today.

In March, PAS had formalised its new opposition bloc with Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan), touted as the third force.

The cooperation was reportedly forged to pave the way for a more coordinated understanding of issues ahead of the 14th general election.

PAS, together with PKR and DAP, had formed Pakatan Rakyat shortly after the 2008 general election.

After achieving its best performance in the 13th general election, the former federal opposition pact was disbanded last year after a prolonged crisis between PAS and DAP.