Mat Sabu leads G18 comprise of pro-Pakatan Rakyat PAS leaders defeated in party election

Writer: Guo Qiu Xiang (translated name)
Sin Chew Daily, 25 June 2015

(Selangor, Petaling Jaya 24 June) Pro-Pakatan Rakyat leaders of PAS who were defeated in party election have formed “G18 Action Committee” led by former PAS deputy president Mat Sabu.

The committee secretary Dr Zulkifley Ahmad confirmed this when interviewed by Sin Chew Daily today. He said the aim of the committee is to set up an Islamic party to replace PAS.

He said currently G18 is an action committee and not a political party. It is a platform to remain close ties with DAP and PKR, replacing PAS’ position in Pakatan Rakyat.

He said Pakatan Rakyat has ceased to exist. “We hope to offer Malaysians a new hope, new vision for all to see a different Islam.”

Zulkifley: The committee is not set up due to defeat, would tour the entire country

Zulkifley Ahmad said starting 16 June, members of the committee have contacted various organisations, political parties and all levels of society to listen to their views. After Hari Raya, they would be having a nationwide tour to meet people.

He said they do not want to be seen as a political party formed in a hasty matter due to misery. The political party is established based on demand.

“This point is very important. We are all losers in party. We need to handle how people view us.”

“If you (media) notice, there are many people who form political parties. I do not want to name names. We do not want to be like them. We do not want to be like a “mosquito party”.

He said they would attract the attention of all people as a Muslim dominant party.

He points out that people no longer see PAS as a liberal, friendly and accommodating party. “We will try the temperature of the water and not to only please ourselves.”

Asked once the committee registers as a political party, would Mat Sabu be the chairman? He said: “This is not the time to reveal it yet. This depends on the public. This is a democratic political party. Currently Mat Sabu is the chairman of G18.”

He said, once ready announcement would be made. But the waiting can’t be too long or people would be bored.

“We need to ensure there is some surprise elements.”

He said they do not only remain in touch with Muslim groups including PasMa, they are also reaching out to Chinese organisations, presenting to the general public that – “Islam is friendly, accommodating, democratic, just and assist in monitoring the government. Islam is to work hard for a better Malaysia, Islam is for all.”

On remark made by PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang that they could be a mosquito party and would disappear fast, he said let’s wait and see.

“When PKR was initially formed many people also commented it as a mosquito party and would not last for a term. But PKR has existed long and is getting stronger.”

He said as they are Islamic leaders who shoulder responsibility while most have spent 30 to 40 years in the party, experience numerous peaks and lows, been in parliament, arrested in protests before, the public can check their past records.

Original Source: 伊黨敗選親民聯領袖設立‧末沙布領導G18