Former Umno divisional leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan said the PAS affiliation with Barisan Nasional could tarnish PAS’s reputation and ability to implement Islamic teachings, in view of the US allegations in lawsuits filed by the US Justice Department.
However, Khairuddin welcomed the statement by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang of the party’s desire to work with a new party being set-up by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“We hope to work together with PAS, it can become a reality in order to strengthen the unity among the Opposition,” said Khairuddin, who has been an unofficial spokesman for Mahathir’s supporters.
“PAS must be careful with any political movements with BN in order for the rakyat to be assured that PAS holds to the true teachings of Islam,” he said.
Khairuddin said BN’s reputation involved misconduct and bribery and the coalition was in a crisis of confidence after the US Justice Department’s claims about embezzlement of 1MDB funds.
“How is Prime Minister Najib Razak to lead our country at a time when the world’s citizens have lost confidence in him due to his involvement in 1MDB? It is also the biggest financial misappropriation of funds in Malaysia and the world,” said Khairuddin.
Hadi said last week that PAS was not in a hurry to make a decision about a new Opposition alliance proposed by Mahathir.
However in an interview with Harakah Daily, Hadi had reportedly said Mahathir must support a private member’s bill he has tabled for expanded powers of the Shariah Courts in return for PAS support.
Khairuddin reminded PAS that corruption was haram (forbidden) and there should not be favouritism towards the giver and receiver of bribes. He also hoped PAS would be careful in choosing their friendships in order to maintain the reputation of their Islamic cause, especially on issues related to hudud (Islamic criminal penalties).
He said he hoped to meet Hadi for “a heart to heart talk” to forge closer ties with PAS in forming an Opposition front that would convince Malaysians of their trustworthiness.