PAS leaders dismiss talk about joining unity govt

Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Ahmad Yahya said the focus was on fighting the Sungai Bakap by-election.

PETALING JAYA: Two PAS leaders have dismissed claims that the party had discussed the possibility of joining Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said no discussions were held at party level or within Perikatan Nasional about joining the government, the New Straits Times reported.

“We are committed to strengthen the cooperation in PN to face any by-elections or elections in the future,” he was quoted as saying.

Tuan Ibrahim also said that such allegations were a sign of the government’s weakness, adding that the party intended to remain in the opposition to provide checks and balances.

PAS Ulama Council chief Ahmad Yahaya also confirmed that the party did not hold any talks with the government. He said the focus was on the Sungai Bakap by-election.

“If we really wanted to be friends (join the unity government), we would not be going against them (in the Sungai Bakap by-election),” he said.

PAS has fielded Abidin Ismail, representing PN, in a straight fight against Pakatan Harpan’s Joohari Ariffin of PKR for the state seat in Penang.

Earlier today, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil was reported to have been “non-committal” when asked about discussions on the possibility of PAS joining the government.