Amanah has slammed PAS for advocating a re-election in Kedah rather than accept Pakatan Harapan's invitation to negotiate on the nomination of the state speaker.

Amanah Youth chief Mohd Sany Hamzan accused PAS of trying to “sabotage” the Kedah Harapan government chosen by the people and recognised by the Kedah sultan.

“Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir has already opened wide room for negotiations on the nomination of the Kedah speaker, but PAS prefers to intimidate the state government.

“PAS' idea of a unity government between all the opposition parties, that is PAS and Umno, cannot be forced upon the state government.

“That is not the way to solve the appointment of the speaker, which should rightfully be done through negotiations,” said Mohd Sany, who is Taman Templer assemblyperson, in a statement.

“It is really strange that PAS is giving an ultimatum, that is to push for a unity government, or to have a re-election. What is their real motive?

"Is it to ensure smooth operation of the state government to serve the people, when what they are doing will stymie not only the budget but all matters pertaining to the running of the state assembly?” he asked.

He warned Harapan to be wary of PAS' tactics, as the Islamist party appears to be fishing for new alliances after the failure of their informal cooperation with Umno in the last general election.

Mohd Sany said PAS had not only failed to get their targetted minimum parliamentary seats in the polls, but also in their desire to be kingmakers in trying to play a part in forming the Perak government with Umno.

“Alas they had failed in their schemes, and today they try to cosy up to the Harapan government.

“This is clear from how their president last week said PAS is willing to work together with any party including DAP.

“And it is also clear from their offer to form a unity government in Kedah as a ploy to join Pakatan Harapan,” he said.

However, said Mohd Sany, PAS' links to Umno and their betrayal of the former Pakatan Rakyat is “proof PAS is not a good party to form any sort of cooperation”.

Yesterday, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man suggested going for fresh polls if the state assembly cannot decide on the nomination for the speaker.

The appointment was stalemated due to an even distribution of seats between Harapan and the opposition in the state, PAS and Umno.

Harapan won 18 out of 36 state seats in the recent 14th general election, while PAS secured 15 seats and BN three.

With the most seats of the three, Harapan was finally recognised as the state's ruling party.