Three Kedah PAS leaders – Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar, Anak Bukit assemblyman Amiruddin Hamzah and Kubang Rotan assemblyman Mohd Nasir Mustafa – were among those who attended the convention of its rival.
Mahfuz told reporters he had received an invitation from Amanah, and as they were old friends, he felt that it was right to accept the invite.
“Amanah, as one of the opposition parties, has shown a lot of commitment to stick together with Pakatan Harapan to ensure a political change in the country in the coming polls.
“So it is only right that Amanah be given strong support by all quarters in the country,” Mahfuz said.
Also present were Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, PPBM chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin.
Asked if he was concerned that PAS would take disciplinary action against him over his attending the Amanah convention, Mahfuz said if the party was politically mature, they would not do anything about it.
Mahfuz was of the view that the new face of politics in Malaysia stands for openness, where politicians could attend functions organised by any other political party.
On why he had not left the party, Mahfuz said he wanted to send PAS members a message that they too need not have to leave the party yet be able to show their support for Pakatan Harapan and Amanah.
“There are PAS members who are fearful to leave the party as they are afraid of any backlash from among the village community, and the fear of being ostracised.
“So they do not have to leave the party to join other parties, but they can show their support to the coalition,” he said.
Mahfuz also took aim at his party leadership for aiming to win only 40 seats in the next general election.
“The problem with living costs and the GST will not go away as PAS is not ready take over power as they are only targetting 40 parliamentary seats.
“It shows the party is not committed to political change and to take over political power from Barisan Nasional,” he said, adding that it would not benefit those who vote for PAS, as any power change would not likely happen.
“We have to throw our support behind the parties that can help bring a change in power and help to resolve issues affecting the people.”