PAS' Political Alliances Often End In 'Divorce', Says Saifuddin

BATU PAHAT, June 9 (Bernama) -- PAS' history of political cooperation shows that its alliances often end in a "divorce", said Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said the latest development involving PAS and Bersatu was not unexpected when viewed in the context of the party's political track record.

Saifuddin Nasution noted that PAS had previously collaborated with several political parties, including Semangat 46, PH, UMNO and Bersatu, but none of those alliances proved enduring.

“Whoever joins PAS eventually ends up in a divorce. The only question is whether it is the first, second or third talaq,” he told reporters after the Citra Negara Programme - Safe School at the Advanced Technology Training Centre here today.

He said while PAS often cites Muslim unity as the basis of its political cooperation, the concept should not be interpreted solely according to the interests or preferences of any particular party.

Saifuddin Nasution said the core principles of Islamic politics are to uphold justice, promote virtue, prevent wrongdoing, and foster compassion and unity within society.

Meanwhile, he stressed that PH's strength does not stem from divisions among its political rivals, but from the trust and mutual respect cultivated among its component parties.

“We do not become stronger because our opponents are divided. We become stronger because we build our own strength. Within PH, that strength is built through collective effort and the principles of mutual trust and mutual respect,” he said.

Yesterday, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced that the party had officially decided to end its political cooperation with Bersatu after taking into account reports, studies and current assessments of the relationship between the two parties.

-- BERNAMA