The acrimonious divorce between PAS and PKR has seen growing calls for the former to quit the Selangor government, which the Islamic party has adamantly refused to do.

PKR and DAP state assemblypersons in Selangor, however, have exercised restraint in their public comments so as to give time for Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali to arrive at a decision, and not to embarrass him if it is not according to their wishes.

The consensus among several Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons who spoke to Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity, is that PAS should go the “gentlemanly way”, but not in a manner that would create a discordant scene and ultimately shift the spotlight from PAS to Harapan.

“There is no rush for Azmin to kick PAS out. If we rush it, Utusan Malaysia and Umno will capitalise on it.

“They are waiting for us to make the first strike (against PAS), then they will accuse DAP of trying to take over the Selangor government, and that we want a Chinese government, or that we are anti-Islam,” said a DAP assemblyperson.

For now, he said, the heat is on PAS.

Nonetheless, the backbenchers say they want a briefing from Azmin, who is expected to return from Belgium today, to get some clarity on the impasse.

“We can’t speak out (now). The best would be for Azmin to meet us and explain things,” said another DAP assemblyperson.

The sentiment is similarly shared within PKR, with one state assemblyperson expressing frustration at PAS’ stubbornness and hoped for a resolution when Azmin returns.

The PKR assemblyperson is even prepared to accept Azmin’s decision should he decide to retain PAS in the Selangor government, but says PAS cannot be given a free hand in the state administration.

He expressed concern that PAS may utilise state resources against Pakatan Harapan, which would essentially be a form of internal sabotage.

“He (Azmin) has to meet with all the backbenchers to explain the whole thing.

“If he retains them in the state government, perhaps there will be a need to impose certain conditions on the PAS exco - for example, that they do not enjoy their full allocation.

“They can’t share the same table with us; the PKR-led state government needs to be careful,” he said.

‘Curious position’

Another PKR assemblyperson conceded that being with PAS in the state government following the divorce was a “curious position”.

He said PAS will have to be “fair” in the utilisation of state resources, in particularly, the use of mosques.

He noted that it could be potentially used as a platform to attack other parties, but also pointed out that the Selangor sultan has issued strict instructions on the use of mosques.

While also concurring that PAS should go, he pointed out that the issue may not be worth fighting so near to the end of their electoral term with the looming general election.

“The election is coming soon, we don’t want to create unnecessary trouble. PKR has made its stance with PAS clear. The menteri besar will need to focus on the 14th general election.

“If it comes to three-cornered fights, then we fight,” he said.

Nonetheless, he too, waits for a cue from Azmin.

Last Friday, Azmin summoned Selangor PAS commissioner Sallehen Mukhyi and its three exco members to a meeting after PAS formally cut ties with PKR.

However, Azmin, who is also PKR deputy president, was tight-lipped on what had transpired at the meeting.

He had briefed the PKR presidential council on the meeting and subsequently left on an overseas trip.

PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had said the party would come to a decision after Azmin returns.