PAS is aiming to win enough parliamentary seats in the 14th general election to form the federal government on its own, or at least enough seats to take part in a new government, said PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

He said this when asked to clarify conflicting reports on the number of seats to be contested by the Islamist party, and confirmed that its candidates will stand in at least 130 seats.

“Perhaps over 130 (seats), but at least a simple majority…

“Yes. PAS wants to form the government or take part in the formation of the government, not just be a weak opposition,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of Selangor PAS’ election machinery.

The launch was held at a field in Shah Alam today, in conjunction with its Fastaqim 2.4 rally this morning, for which about 7,500 PAS supporters turned up.

PAS research centre director Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki told a press conference on Jan 14 that the party intends to contest at least 130 parliamentary seats.

If the plan goes ahead, PAS would end up contesting more seats than Umno had in the 13th general election. Umno, the largest political party in Malaysia, contested 121 parliamentary seats and won 88.

Meanwhile, Hadi also told reporters PAS also plans to form the government in Selangor, but was coy on how many seats it plans to contest.

When asked who would be PAS’ choice for Selangor menteri besar would be should they succeed, Hadi said the question is premature prior to the election results.

“We don’t make decisions based on assumptions; the menteri besar designate is an assumption. What if he loses his seat?” he said.