PAS veep prayed for damaging PKR polls, wants Hadi, Tuan Ibrahim retained

Summary

• PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah says he had prayed for Nurul Izzah Anwar to win the PKR deputy presidency, knowing it would create instability within the coalition government.

• He also refers to the Lim Guan Eng-Anthony Loke clash and Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s departure from Umno as a boon to the opposition.

• As for PAS, Amar urges party members to retain Abdul Hadi Awang and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as its top two leaders.

PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah has revealed that he had prayed for Nurul Izzah Anwar to win the PKR deputy president race as he expected it would create instability within the coalition government.

The Kelantan state assembly speaker believed such a change would benefit the opposition.

“The rivalry between Nurul Izzah and Rafizi (Ramli) is big when it comes to politics. That’s why I prayed for Nurul Izzah, knowing it would create a massive rift.

“Rafizi is a loose cannon, he won’t keep quiet (after getting defeated). He will keep criticising until the next general election, and this is an advantage to us as the opposition,” Amar told Malaysiakini in a recent interview in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

On May 23, Nurul Izzah defeated Rafizi for the PKR deputy presidency during the party polls.

Subsequently, Rafizi quit as the economy minister. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad followed suit by resigning as the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister.

PAS must learn from squabbles of others

Amar also brought up the turmoil in DAP and how the clash between heavyweights Anthony Loke and Lim Guan Eng had affected the party.

As for Umno, the Panchor assemblyperson said the nationalist party is now up in arms over Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s decision to leave the party for PKR.

“Those who understand politics will now see the weaknesses of the parties mentioned.

“That’s why PAS must be careful. Let’s not clash with ourselves.

“If we can present a united front, we will become the people’s choice,” he added.

Keep Hadi-Tuan Ibrahim combo

While Amar relished the problems plaguing the government parties, he stood firm on Abdul Hadi Awang and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man leading PAS as its president and deputy president.

However, if Hadi chooses to retire, Amar said Tuan Ibrahim should be the only one to succeed him.

“If Hadi wants to retire, to me, the deputy should succeed him. Others need not try their luck to ensure our party remains stable,” Amar added.

The former deputy menteri besar said ensuring that the party’s supreme council has a good mix of religious scholars, technocrats, and professionals was the most important agenda.

“Look at our vice-presidents’ line-up, which has a good mix of ulama and non-ulama.

“So, let’s do the same for the supreme council, but let’s retain our top two leaders. That’s my opinion.”

‘Demon and DAP‘ factions in PAS

Amar also acknowledged the existence of factionalism within PAS, albeit not as intense as in other parties.

He gave the example of some state PAS Youth leaders labelling their opponents as “pro-DAP faction”.

Another group called “Geng Ustaz” tried to claim that there were factions opposed to ulama leadership, with its leader Ahmad Dusuki Abd Rani labelling them “demons walking amongst men and genies”.

On that note, although he was in favour of retaining Hadi and Tuan Ibrahim in leadership, Amar said the party is not blocking any members from contesting for posts as long as they are qualified.

“No one is blocking anyone at the party. Just that some may offer their views, including me, they are not an instruction,” he added.

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