PAS Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar has denied speculation by a Malay daily today he is quitting the Islamist party.

Mahfuz however told Malaysiakini he is still very much a PAS member.

“I don't know how Sinar Harian drew their conclusions. I don't know what their basis is to say I am leaving the party, but that's the topic they picked,” he said when contacted.

“My involvement with Harapan hasn't been a problem up till now. PAS has never stopped me from being involved in Harapan's programmes,” he said.

“I will continue to be active in Harapan and give them my support. I have also invited PAS to rejoin Harapan, that is my hope, and PAS members' as well, that the party does not stand apart from the mainstream of politics,” he said.

Sinar in their article 'Three PAS YB to leave the party?' said Mahfuz and two assemblypersons, Amiruddin Hamzah (Anak Bukit) serta Mohd Nasir Mustafa (Kubang Rotan), are increasingly prominent at Pakatan Harapan ceramah.

This, reported the Malay daily, has heightened speculation of their imminent departure from PAS.

The daily cited a Harapan ceramah in Kedah tonight that Mahfuz dan Mohd Nasir will be attending, adding absence from PAS events that featured party president Abdul Hadi Awang has further fuelled talk of their departure.

Criticisms 'good for PAS'

Mahfuz, who has often criticised his own party, said he does so for the party's own good.

“I will continue to be with PAS, and I will continue to give views that I feel are beneficial to PAS and its members.

"If they feel differently, it is my right to have differing opinions,” he said.

Mahfuz went on to criticise PAS vice president Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah's comment this week that PAS was not only going to contest in PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's Permatang Pauh seat, but in DAP and PKR seats nationwide that have potential.

The Pokok Sena MP said such a statement is to PAS' detriment as it makes the party appear arrogant.

“I feel Mohd Amar's statement is unwarranted. He says he wants to contest in opposition seats, and that will build the perception that PAS has grown arrogant.

“It doesn't give a good impression, and will distance people, and make PAS voters distance themselves from the party,” he said.