Mustafa: No discussion of PAS withdrawal in assembly, PAS remains in Pakatan Rakyat regardless of who wins the presidency

Sin Chew Daily, 2 June 2015

(Kuala Lumpur 1 June) PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Mohamad points out that the muktamar would not be able to make a decision on withdrawal of PAS from Pakatan Rakyat. No proposed resolution nor president’s speech touch on whether PAS withdraws from Pakatan Rakyat. No central leaders from PAS make a stand to withdraw from Pakatan Rakyat.

He stresses that whoever leads PAS would not cause the party to withdraw from Pakatan Rakyat.

“Obviously the claim of PAS muktamar and outcome of party election would determine the fate of Pakatan Rakyat is baseless. These people do not understand PAS.”

Mustafa calls for a press conference on Monday to clarify on widespread rumours.

No camp opposes Pakatan Rakyat in the party

“I can guarantee that no central leaders want PAS to leave Pakatan Rakyat. No, not even one. Party does not have any so called “pro-Pakatan Rakyat” or “anti-Pakatan Rakyat” camp.

He also said that PAS muktamar has yet to receive any proposed resolution on leaving Pakatan Rakyat. But he does not rule out the possibility of a motion during the muktamar. Whether the motion would be approved it would require study by the Ulama Consultative Council and depend on whether the speaker approves it.

“Normally a motion is on pressing national issue which occur prior to the muktamar. It would be urgent and hence proposed at the muktamar for speaker to decide based on his authority.”

He said based on the procedure of muktamar, it is unlikely that the muktamar would be able to reach a decision to withdraw from Pakatan Rakyat as PAS has its reasons from setting up Alternative Front to forming Pakatan Rakyat. A decision would not be made there and then and has to be studied and discussed by Ulama Consultative Council.

He added that the proposal to merge opposition parties to form an alliance was made by PAS leaders. PAS has proactively proposed the formation. It would not be easy for PAS to demolish an alliance built by itself as it involved sentimental value.

Voluntary withdrawal, no coercion by coalition members

Mustafa is frank to admit there are disputes between PAS and DAP. Both have different views on issues. But Pakatan Rakyat is formed by three parties. No one coalition member can force another to leave unless the party voluntarily withdraws.

Citing the incident in 2001 where DAP was unhappy with Islamic state proposed by PAS and withdrew from Alternative Front. In the past right from Alternative Front to Pakatan Rakyat today, whether PAS or DAP is unable to kick out another party. Unless the party has opted to leave on its own like DAP then.

Asked about DAP openly announced terminating collaboration with PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and once Hadi succeeds in defending the position, would this affect collaboration ties between PAS and DAP, Mustafa declined to reply on speculative question but said this is not PAS’ problem.

He does not think that PKR would want Pakatan Rakyat to dissolve or wants to go different ways with PAS. Judging from past incidents, PAS opts to be with PKR and PAS would not give up its founding principle.

In addition, Mustafa reveals that the secretary-general’s office or election committee has not received any complaint by candidates of the party election. Muktamar and election preparation are ready.

At the same time, PAS deputy secretary-general cum organising chairman of muktamar Datuk Takiyuddin said a maximum of 1,195 delegates from 191 divisions would attend the muktamar.

On confusion arising from dress code for media, he clarifies that the party requires male reporters to have descent attire without sandals while Muslim female reporters to wear headscarf. Malay traditional attire is not mandatory while non-Muslim female reporters are required to be presentable and descent in their attire.

Mustafa: DAP leaders are like political novice in condemning PAS and warming up to Tun Dr Mahathir

Mustafa condemns DAP leaders – Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng and parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang are impatient in their statements against PAS.

Citing an example, he said DAP leaders claim that Malaysia needs to be rescued from hudud law as if hudud is a disaster.

Despite his respect of Kit Siang as a senior politician, Lim’s agenda on save Malaysia and willing to work with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir is like a political novice reflecting that he is impatient.

On Kit Siang’s act of extending an olive branch to Dr Mahathir without receiving any response, he could be attacking others to cover up the bad situation.

He claims Guan Eng’s announcement of DAP no longer work with Hadi Awang reflect the latter’s insecurity. He hopes DAP leaders would be more patient. They should try to look for solutions even with different views.

Original Source: 慕斯達化：伊黨大會沒談退出‧“無論誰勝續留民聯”