Azmin takes aim at PAS

RAWANG: PAS should be held responsible for shutting down all doors of negotiation with PKR when it decided to sever the tahaluf siyasi (political cooperation) that both parties had maintained since 2008.
In stating this today, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the decision taken by PAS' Syura Council yesterday was a clear indication that the Islamist party had renounced any political connection with PKR.
Mohamed Azmin, who is also PKR deputy president, said this to reporters when asked whether his party would meet PAS to resolve the political deadlock.
"PAS has decided to sever ties with PKR. The decision taken by the Syura Council is clear," he told reporters after attending the officiating ceremony of Masjid Perodua at the Perodua headquarters here.
The ceremony was also graced by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
PAS' Syura Council in a meeting yesterday had decided to cut its political ties with PKR despite both parties maintaining a coalition government in Selangor.
Selangor PAS in a statement, upheld the Syura Council's decision, but said the party would remain in the state government to respect the mandate given by the rakyat in the previous general election.
Mohamed Azmin said he had no immediate plans to meet with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to talk about the matter.
He also said he had met with all three PAS executive councillors this morning to seek their clarification over the matter, adding that the outcome would be discussed with PKR president Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
"I have done all that is possible to mitigate the problems, by doing engagements, consultations and meetings. But again, as I mentioned this morning, patience has its limits.
"I have done my part, I have done all that it takes to ensure that the political coalition is intact, but it is very unfortunate the Syura Council has decided to sever ties," he added.
Mohamed Azmin said the party was prepared to go head to head against PAS in the next general election if it was unavoidable.
"That is their choice. As a political party we have to be prepared for any eventuality. If it is unavoidable then we have to face them," he said.
He also shot down talks on the possibility for the state assembly to be dissolved to make way for snap polls in the state.
"The support (of rakyat) is clear so there is no issue of having a snap election as the mandate is still intact and solid," he assured.
Mohamed Azmin said Sultan Sharafuddin has been informed on the current political situation befalling the state administration during the event.
He added it was his responsibility to inform the Selangor ruler on situation in the state, albeit not during an official audience at the palace.
"I gave assurance of my responsibility and the state government to maintain the stability of the state and to ensure mandate given by the rakyat could be continued until the 14th General Election," he said.
When asked whether he would officially seek an audience with the sultan at the palace, he said there was no need for it.