PAS spiritual leader moots solo run for party if internal PN dispute persists

PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin has suggested that the party go solo in the next general election if the ongoing dispute over Perikatan Nasional’s leadership is not resolved soon.

He told Malaysiakini that such a move would likely receive strong backing from PAS grassroots members, particularly in Perlis.

"If each party is stubborn, if it (the problem) is not resolved... it is better to contest solo.

"Contest first, then based on the results (of GE16), we will negotiate to form a government.

"We are about to face GE16. If we can resolve it (the issue) early, it would be good," he said today.

Hashim (above) was asked to comment on recent developments highlighting tensions between PAS and Bersatu, particularly over the appointment of a new PN chairperson following Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation from the post, effective Jan 1.

Sparked by Perlis crisis

Muhyiddin's resignation came after a crisis in the Perlis state government, which saw relations between PAS and Bersatu become increasingly tense.

Eight assemblypersons - five from Bersatu and three from PAS - withdrew support from PAS’ Shukri Ramli as menteri besar, leading to the Islamist party threatening to either quit the opposition coalition and pursue a fresh alliance with Umno or to take over the PN leadership.

However, tempers eased when Muhyiddin resigned as PN chief, opening the door for PAS to take over the coalition.

When asked about the PAS candidate for the PN chairperson position, Hashim refused to comment further, other than to say that the PAS central committee will decide on this.

Later, PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah posted a cryptic message on Facebook about the need for “a change when something does not work”.

“When a shirt gets torn, it’s best to get a new shirt. When a car goes bust, it’s best to get a new car,” he said.

Leaked letters

Two days ago, leaked correspondence between Muhyiddin and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang showed their opposing views on a purported “consensus” reached during a Jan 16 meeting at the Pagoh MP’s home to resolve matters arising from his resignation.

Among others, Muhyiddin claimed that an agreement had been reached to establish a presidential council led by Bersatu and an executive council led by PAS, and to abolish the position of PN chairperson, which the Islamist party is eyeing.

Based on the purported consensus, Muhyiddin also requested the cancellation of the extraordinary PN supreme council meeting called by PN deputy secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, which included appointing a new PN chairperson on the agenda.

Hadi, in a purported letter responding to Muhyiddin, claimed that the proposed resolution referred to by the Bersatu leader was neither discussed nor agreed to.

Last night, PAS leaders reportedly did not attend the pre-council meeting involving PN party leaders held at Muhyiddin's residence.

Those who were present include Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) president P Punithan, Gerakan president Dominic Lau, MIPP deputy president S Subramaniam, Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu, and Gerakan information chief Wendy Subramaniam.

However, Takiyuddin yesterday said the pre-council meeting was “unconstitutional”.

Takiyuddin, who is also the PAS secretary-general, said that although PN's constitution included a provision for the creation of a “presidential council”, such a body was never formed.

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