After election funding tension, PAS says will stick with PN

PAS today reaffirmed its commitment to Perikatan Nasional, following a brief but tense exchange with its lynchpin party, Bersatu, over election funding issues.

In a statement today, PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad said the decisions made by each party at its respective levels ought to be respected by all parties.

"PAS reaffirms its commitment to stand with its coalition partners in PN in the effort to face the 16th general election.

"Unity within this coalition is the key strength in championing the interests of the people and the nation, while strengthening PN as a more solid, principled and forward-looking political alliance," Idris (above) said.

The Perak PAS commissioner further said PN must continue to prioritise issues affecting the people, such as fighting off the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA), and the death of 13-year-old school student Zara Qairina Mahathir.

Other issues include the impact of the rationalisation of RON95 subsidies, living cost issues, as well as many other pressing concerns for which the people are counting on PN to defend them, he said.

Idris also called on all parties to attend the Himpunan Mega Tolak URA on Oct 4 "to defend the fate of the people who will be oppressed once this Act is enforced".

"PAS is confident that with the unity and determination of all PN components, we will be able to offer better, fairer and more equitable solutions to the people of Malaysia,” he said.

Fund feud

During the recently concluded PAS' 71st muktamar in Kedah, its election director, Sanusi Nor, had mocked Bersatu for supposedly enjoying an easier ride in the election by relying on PAS’ facilities and machinery.

In his winding-up speech, Sanusi said the party had to fork out a huge sum to cover election costs, whereas there were “rakan-rakan” (allies) who came to contest with empty hands.

In response to Sanusi, Marzuki Mohamad, who served as the principal private secretary to Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin when he was the prime minister, said Bersatu had covered the election expenses for the 15th general election.

He said Bersatu had even provided PAS with “substantial financial contributions”, which helped the PN ally secure 43 seats.

Sanusi then “challenged” Bersatu to provide clearer details of its supposed financial contributions to the Islamist party, adding that his party did not rely on Bersatu funds.

He said that funds for PAS were collected from the traditional PAS “Milo tin” donations.

The “Milo tin” is a long-standing practice associated with PAS’ fundraising efforts during events, including political ceramah.

COMMENT | The rise of PAS

Sanusi chides Puad: Don't act pious, how many millions did you spend?

Bersih urges amendments to Election Offences Act on funding

'Remember when Muhyiddin gave Umno RM10m for Sabah polls?'