The recently concluded Fastaqim Gathering in Shah Alam sent out a strong message and somewhat borderline awrrogant message that PAS can capture Selangor on its own. However, without a reliable coalition to support PAS’ cause, the organization will only be – at best, a spoiler, that will certainly benefit UMNO/BN in the upcoming 14th general elections.
There is absolutely no need to waste anymore valuable time to mediate or initiate any form of negotiations with PAS because such feats will prove to be futile. PAS, through their current line of leaders have made up their minds even prior to the collapse of Pakatan Rakyat, back in 2014. For those who can still remember, a leaked Whatsapp message circulated the internet implicated PAS’ Research Director, Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki for suggesting the formation of a Selangor state government with UMNO. Until this very day, Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki has not spoken about this incident and has remained mum – neither admitting nor denying.
Cutting all ties with PAS is long overdue and given the track record they have shown in the past, there will be no love lost. PAS has continued to attack Pakatan Harapan parties and our leaders while choosing to ignore the misdeeds of UMNO/BN.
Keeping them in the government will just allow them to further confuse the Malaysian electorate and muddle any form of progress, therefore, I must reiterate, there is no place for PAS within the state government.
Since the passing of the late Nik Aziz, PAS has certainly digressed and have proven that under the current leadership, struggles for reforms are not sincere. The party is now filled with hardliners whose vested interests are sidelining the progressive movements that brought us together as a coalition under Pakatan Rakyat. PAS of today has betrayed the moderate Muslims and the non-Muslims with their radical, ultra-conservative stance. Therefore for the sake of national unity and political reforms, Pakatan Harapan (or rather certain quarters from within) must do what is best for the country, which is to move on without PAS in the coalition, as we soldier on this fight against the kleptocrats.
With the relatively high popularity of Menteri Besar Dato Seri Azmin Ali among the Malay voters, multi-cornered fights would be a fair risk to take and while a PASless coalition would most likely see Pakatan Harapan form the Selagor state government by a razor thin majority or a possibility with a lesser majority, it will still be enough to shatter Barisan Nasional’s hopes of retaining Putrajaya.
With PAS out of the equation, Pakatan Harapan will be able to campaign in the state elections as the government of the day and will be able highlight it’s achievements in addressing the welfare matters concerning the majority of Selangorians through the ‘Peduli Rakyat’ initiatives. Until today, PAS has failed to acknowledge the contributions of DAP, PKR and AMANAH within the state and this type of attitude is something we really do not need to deal with. With PAS getting dangerously close with UMNO and using the term ‘Muslim Unity’ as an excuse for cooperation with UMNO, this further provides evidence that PAS has lost its direction in mainstream politics and would rather play footsie with the enemy without owning up the betrayal they have ensued upon non traditional voters gained during Pakatan Rakyat days.
No right minded Malaysians would want to have toxic politicians like Tan Sri Noh Omar or Jamal Yunos leading their state as Menteri Besar. Why would anyone want support leaders who have openly insulted Malaysians and the state Ruler with mock funerals as well as smashing of beer bottles? Malaysians did not sign up for this circus show.
As we draw closer to the end of the term and with the current ongoing legal battle against the Election Commission, it is only practical to call for the early dissolution of the Selangor State Assembly and push for early state elections. This is one way we can retain current electoral boundaries for the elections and attempt to check-mate UMNO/BN. It’s time for Selangor to lead the way!
Enough is enough and it is time for us to move on beyond radicalism, populism and pave the way for better progressive politics.