He said although PAS had its ups and downs, its members were always loyal and its grassroots machinery was strong.

“Like now, when PAS is divided and Amanah was formed, was PAS weakened? I don’t see it that way,” he said in a blog post today.

His comments followed unofficial discussions between PAS and PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali to avoid clashes in the 14th general election. The talks had caused dissatisfaction among PH affiliates, especially Amanah.

Azmin’s move, which was made on the suggestion of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, contradicted the decision of the PH presidential council not to cooperate with PAS.

Salleh, who is also communications and multimedia minister, said looking at PAS’ record, the party’s struggle would remain even if there were splits in the party and changes in its leadership.

He said this was because there was an understanding among its members and supporters that PAS was not just a political party but also a party that struggled to uphold religion.

According to Salleh, a study by Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE), a research body of the Selangor state government, showed that Amanah only received 1% of public support, whereas the director of the PAS Research Centre, Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki, said support for Amanah had dropped to 0.5%.

He said Amanah’s support had declined because people were fed up with its inconsistent attitude.

“If that is the scenario, how will PAS be after this? Will PAS be buried after it is no longer with PH?” he said.