In an apparent show of defiance, a PAS MP and three state assemblypersons today showed up for the opening of Amanah's second national convention.

When met later, Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar (photo) said he was also joined by Anak Bukit assemblyperson Amiruddin Hamzah, Kubang Rotan assemblyperson Mohd Nasir Mustafa and Batu Burok assemblyperson Dr Syed Azman Syed Nawawi.

"As an old friend, I come to celebrate with them by accepting an invitation from one of the opposition parties in our country.

"Amanah has shown a high commitment to be with Harapan and determine the country's political powers to face the next 14th general elections," said Mahfuz who is among PAS leaders branded as a "harum manis" - in reference to a local mango with orange flesh and green skin.

At the same time, he also insisted that there is no need for him to leave PAS in order to support Harapan as a way to bring about political change.

"I am not going to leave the party...(But) only Harapan has shown the commitment for political change, unlike (PAS-led) Gagasan Sejahtera.

"This is because PAS yesterday said they are only targeting 40 seats in GE14, so PAS is not showing that they want to take over from BN...," he said, citing an interview with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang in Malay-daily Sinar Harian.

Despite his numerous public appearances with Amanah, Mahfuz also remained confident that he would not be censured by his own party leaders, adding that he would be speaking at an Amanah ceramah near Anak Bukit later tonight.

"Going by their matured politics stand, I believe that PAS will not be taking any actions against me. Part of new politics is to develop openness.

"Any politicians can attend any political functions, there is nothing wrong because we have to support a more open politics," he said.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu (photo) in his policy speech earlier this morning had similarly pointed out that it would be a waste to vote for PAS as the party will not have enough seats to form a new federal government.
He also cited alleged betrayals by PAS as a former Pakatan Rakyat coalition member in the last GE13 and cautioned Harapan parties to not repeat the same mistake.

"Our Harapan coalition this time must be free of all elements of betrayals and dishonesty that had haunted Pakatan Rakyat. Let there not even be one seat contested by more than one party among us.

"Let there also not be any seat where Harapan party members do not support or vote for our candidate, as what PAS had done in Machang, Ketereh and Tanah Merah," he stressed.

The two-day national convention which ends tomorrow is attended by 898 delegates from Amanah divisions nationwide.

Also present during the opening ceremony were Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Harapan deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.