In a Sinar Harian report today, Rosli said the recent decision by the Islamist party that they wanted to forge partnerships with others to create a third bloc, had caught many off guard.

“Following the announcement, some denied they were involved in the bloc,” he said, adding the announcement was bound to confound grassroots members as there had been no serious discussions with them on forming a new Opposition bloc.

“Isn’t it the norm for PAS to hold a special muktamar before a big decision is made?” he said, adding discussions could still be held even though the PAS central working committee had the authority to decide on political cooperation under the party’s constitution.

This he said was because, according to PAS’s constitution, the muktamar was the highest authority in the party.

He also said PAS needed to learn from its past experiences before making any decision that could result in a split among its members, as this in itself could weaken the party.

“Perhaps a lot has been taken into consideration and a quick decision is needed in tandem with the political developments in the country, but the experiences of past cooperation which resulted in a split within the party should be a lesson.”

Last week, it was reported that PAS would be setting up a new Opposition bloc with a multiracial party, after it ruled out working with Pakatan Harapan.

The new bloc is set to be officially unveiled later today.