PAS Youth dares Umno to leave coalition govt, ditch 'disrespectful' DAP

PAS Youth has dared Umno to abandon the coalition government, saying it should do so if the party is serious about defending the sanctity of Islam.

According to wing chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, Umno does not get the respect it deserves as a member of the governing coalition, especially not from DAP.

“I do not see Umno leaders who are in today’s government capable of defending Islam.

“Because if they are, how come DAP can behave so blatantly? Like in the case of (DAP vice-chairperson) Teresa Kok, whose remarks (about halal certification issue) were defended by (DAP secretary-general) Anthony Loke.

“This means DAP does not care whatever Umno leaders say in the government. So, what is the point of being part of the government when your views are ignored and disrespected?” Afnan (above) asked.

“Better for them to just leave the government. It is better to stick to your principles than only prioritising vote counts,” he told a press conference after the conclusion of the 65th PAS Youth muktamar in Temerloh, Pahang, this evening.

Feckless trio of parties

Earlier in his winding-up speech at the annual muktamar, Afnan lambasted Muslim leaders in Umno, PKR and Amanah - three of the political parties that form the federal government - for allegedly forsaking their principles to stay in power.

He said PAS Youth, in its meeting today, passed a resolution to condemn DAP’s interference in Islamic affairs, something that he claimed could never be achieved by the three parties.

This is because the parties' Muslim leaders did not dare to speak up against DAP as they put their personal interests before Islam, the Alor Setar MP alleged.

“...if Umno as a Malay-based party is really serious about defending Islam, and given all the things that DAP has done, we dare Umno to leave the unity government.

“If you really want to defend Islam and Malays, you have to exit the government. You don’t have to worry about losing your power unless you are scared that your 47 cases will be reopened,” he said, in an apparent swipe at Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who previously faced 47 criminal charges related to corruption.

Asked if PAS was ready to accept Umno as an ally again should the latter decide to leave the government, Afnan replied in the affirmative.

He said the relationship between PAS and Umno members, especially at the grassroots level, has never died despite the two parties being on opposite sides of the political divide.

PAS spiritual leader: 'We don't interfere with them eating pork'

Avoid firing at non-Muslims when aiming at DAP, says PAS Youth leader

S'gor PAS Youth: Don't just woo non-Malays, marry them to get their votes

PAS Youth warns govt to stop silencing critics, mulls street protests

Chinese speaking Chinese causes Malays to 'buruk sangka': PAS No 2