PPBM must review stance on PAS: Zaid

PETALING JAYA: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) should review its stance especially its relationship with PAS and other Opposition parties in the run-up to the next general election, said former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (pix).
While commending the successful launch of the party on Friday, Zaid was of the view that speeches by PPBM leaders could be delivered with more confidence and strength.
"The speeches were peppered with pleas for PAS and other Opposition parties to be united, a plea that most people would consider wishful thinking," he said in a blog posting, today.
The former Kota Baru MP said while PPBM are hopeful for "one-to-one" contests in the upcoming General Election to defeat BN, PAS' absence must be taken into account.
"The names of some PAS leaders, such as Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad were mentioned as being present when they were not there at all.
"In fact, I heard that the PAS Central Committee voted unanimously not to send any representative to PPBM's launch," he said.
Pointing out several instances with the Islamic party, Zaid opined that with their latest rebuff in not attending the launch, PAS has made it abundantly clear that they are with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
"PPBM must act with confidence. They must tell the people that they are going to win regardless of whether it will be a straight fight or a three-cornered fight.
"They must tell the people that PAS have never won anything in their 60 years of history without the support of other Opposition parties," he said.
He advised PPBM leaders to be confident that whatever PAS takes out in terms of Malay votes, they will be able to more than compensate for by working with Amanah.
"PPBM must be confident that by working with Amanah and other parties in Pakatan Rakyat, they will bring more Malay votes to the Opposition than PAS did in 2013.
"If you have the strength of conviction in your own ability, then it's easier for others to follow you," he added.