PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali said today his party will maintain its normal relations with PAS, despite the Islamic party severing ties with PKR divisions in Bayan Baru and Permatang Pauh in Penang.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the monthly gathering of Selangor state agencies and departments, Azmin, who is also the menteri besar, pointed out that PKR has never severed ties with any opposition party, including PAS.

At the same time, Azmin added, he would leave the final decision to the PAS central leadership, as well as for the matter to be discussed at the annual muktamar of PAS to be held in Kedah next month.

“We (PKR) will discuss it. Our mission (for straight fights) remains the same, we will continue (our discussions) and we will see what happens during the muktamar. 

“We have never severed ties with any party. So that (decision) we will leave to the discretion of PAS and its leaders to make,” he said.

Azmin said this when asked to comment on the reported resolution passed by Permatang Pauh PAS at its division meeting yesterday to end political cooperation with PKR, claiming that PKR no longer respects the existing relationship. 

A similar resolution was also passed by the PAS Bayan Baru division. 

Commenting further, Azmin insisted that PKR remains open to work with all progressive parties, towards the same goal of pushing for change. 

He also said that the situation in Penang has not caused any impact on PKR’s relationship with PAS in Selangor, as part of the state government’s administration. 

“Alhamdulillah, no problems. The co-operation with PAS in Selangor is strong, and we also have Amanah, DAP and Bersatu. 

“Selangor PAS has also issued statements, I recall there were several that defended our common agenda and the state government’s common policy, in the state assembly as well as (during) exco meetings,” he said. 

Penang PKR Youth chief Asrol Sani Abdul Razak, meanwhile, said that his wing would not interfere with any decision made by PAS at state or division levels. 

However, Asrol Sani cautioned all parties against being manipulated by Umno and Barisan Nasional to further their own agenda of reclaiming the Permatang Pauh seat. 

“AMK Penang believes there is still room for discussion between PAS and PKR to face the 14th general election, for the future of all Malaysians,” he said in a statement.

Permatang Pauh is the stronghold of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim. 

His wife and opposition leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was elected Permatang Pauh MP after Anwar lost the seat after he was convicted of sodomy in 2015.

Despite the break-up of Pakatan Rakyat, PKR maintained relations with PAS, especially in Selangor, where PAS, PKR and DAP still make up government.