PAS-Umno collaboration not something vital: Abdul Hadi

KUALA NERUS: PAS-Umno collaboration is not vital but needed to champion the interests of Malays and Islam, said PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
"At times it can be vital, like when when election results do not reflect the demography or non-Muslims dominate the government.
"Also when non-Muslims make unreasonable demands or touch on Islamic sensitivities like calling for religious councils to be abolished, ban on syariah laws or entertaining the LGBT community.
"All these are against Islamic teachings. What I am saying is that the PAS-Umno collaboration now is not something vital but helps," he told a press conference after the conclusion of the party's 64th Muktamar (annual general assembly) at the Indoor Stadium, Terengganu Sports Complex here today.
He said that if there was need, a special Muktamar would be called to formalise the collaboration.
Overall, the delegates at this Muktamar were amenable to cooperation between PAS and Umno, he said, adding that any PAS-Umno cooperation would be transparent just like political alliances in other democratic countries because it would influence voting in elections.
Earlier, in his winding up speech, the Marang MP had said that the Malays who are Muslims had the opportunity to dominate the leadership of the nation had they voted of PAS in the 11th general election (held on May 9 this year).
"So the Malays must not get angry because the administration is dominated by non-Muslims now, this happened because the Malays gave their votes to non-Muslims," he said.
He also stressed that PAS was not a splinter of any party and had remained true to its cause from the very beginning.
Elaboration further on PAS-Umno ties, Abdul Hadi said this was noting new to the party as it had long forged alliances including at the international level to assist in resolving humanitarian issues.
"PAS has been given the trust to be involved in crises involving Muslims like in Thailand, the Philippines and also the Rohingya community and Palestinians.
"Behind our collaboration, we stay true to Islam. We reject any reformation without Islam," he said.
Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, in his winding up speech, said PAS will never become a "buoy" for sinners but a "buoy" to save Malaysians.
"There some who are concerned about a PAS-Umno collaboration. We will not be lumped together with sinners. Because it is Islam that will save us and so we invite the rakyat (people) to join us for success here and the hereafter," he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, he said PAS wanted the federal government to take the initiative to streamline "takzir"laws for uniformity among the states, especially involving punishment like fines and caning as had been called for by several muftis.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, meanwhile, slammed Patriot (movement of veterans) for complaining about military-like outfits worn by PAS's Amal (security) Unit members during the Muktamar, saying that it was no different from those donned by associations like the scouts. — Bernama