PAS targets prime minister’s post, says no more ‘giving way’ to other parties

KUALA LUMPUR — Youth delegates from PAS have called on the party to work collaboratively with other political groups while emphasizing their readiness to lead the federal government. Ilyas Ahmad, the Kedah Youth chief of PAS, stated that uniting Muslims at the federal level should be spearheaded by PAS, and they should not accommodate other parties in proposing a prime ministerial candidate.

Speaking at a PAS muktamar, he expressed his dissatisfaction with repeated phrases suggesting the possibility of another party leading the country. Ahead of the upcoming Johor state election, the Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had previously expressed his intention to prioritize the economy, equitable education, and national security if elected as prime minister.

Following BN's successful performance in the July 11 election, they formed an electoral alliance with PAS under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) umbrella, focused on Muslim unity. However, no formal agreement has been made regarding cooperation in the upcoming Melaka state election. PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang affirmed the party's preparedness for the 16th General Election (GE16), including possibly holding it earlier than planned.

In a similar vein, PAS Terengganu Youth delegate Mukhlis Hasin echoed Ahmad's stance, insisting that PAS must take the lead in promoting unity, rather than merely following others. He emphasized that defending one's identity is crucial for unity preservation, and there should be no fear in expressing the truth to maintain unity.