No unity with Umno if liberals hold power in PAS’

BUTTERWORTH: Unity between Umno and PAS cannot be achieved as long as PAS liberals hold senior positions in the party.

Former Penang PAS Youth head Mohamed Hafiz Nordin said the proposed move to cultivate the politics of unity or harmony between Umno and PAS will reach a deadlock if the liberals hold sway in the party.

Branding the group as “parasites,” Hafiz said they have caused PAS to derail from its struggle for an Islamic State as well as curbing the party’s move in spreading the teachings of Islam.

“Frankly, the biggest Muslim political parties in Malaysia are Umno and PAS,” he said.

Therefore, Hafiz, who regards himself as an Islam activist, said it is logical for PAS to embrace the concept of unity with Umno.

“In Islam, to forgive is also divine and we should encourage PAS and Umno to forgive each other and move on for the sake of the congregation and the country,” he said.

PAS should initiate the politics of unity during their coming “muktamar” (gathering) where a party election is on the cards.

“They can start by voting in the ulama (conservative) movement in PAS,” Hafiz said.

It is believed that the ulama segment of PAS, is inclined to foster some form of ties with Umno as they are generally suspicious of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim for his alleged tendancy to lean towards a form of Islamic liberalism.

Hafiz also declared his support for Kelantan Deputy Mentri Besar Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah in the latter’s quest to wrest the deputy president post from the incumbent Mohammad Sabu.

He also suggested that the vice-president posts be filled up by Terengganu strongman Abu Bakar Chik, PAS Information head Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and one of the incumbents Salahuddin Ayub.

According to Hafiz, the country needs to take a breather from divisive politics as it has taken a toll on the relationship between the diverse ethnic groups and the economy.

With PAS and Umno forming a strong backbone in the country’s political system, the people can look forward towards an era of progress.

However, his definition of unity is not about PAS joining Barisan Nasional, or Umno disbanding, or a merger between the two.

For Hafiz, unity is about Umno and PAS cooperating for the betterment of the Muslims and nation.

“They can start by praying together as Muslims,” he said.