'Pakatan break-up unlikely'
Published on: Thursday, July 31, 2014
PETALING JAYA: Anwar Ibrahim is optimistic Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will not break-up, saying the views of a small section of PAS members were not its official stand."I know the attitude of the leaders like PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. He is very committed to PR. So I am optimistic," Anwar said in his Permatang Pauh constituency."We have already endured so long with principles like tolerance," he said.
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"I do not see it as a break-up."Anwar said the alliance was still firm with the leadership of PKR, DAP and PAS looking at larger interests.He said the recent unhealthy comments from PAS grassroots about the Selangor Menteri Besar's (MB) position had caused misunderstanding.PKR wants to replace Khalid Ibrahim while PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang is backing the embattled Selangor MB to continue in his post.
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Anwar said Hadi's personal view on the matter is up to the Islamist party to resolve and it is "presumptuous" to say that PAS wants to break from PR over this matter.He also said there is no such indication from the PAS leadership, which remains committed to PR. The views from PAS grassroot leaders are not the official stand of the party leadership.
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"So I am optimistic."Anwar also said he had met with Hadi on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (on Sunday) before the latter left for Terengganu."I spoke to him the night before Eid to exchange festive greetings. It means our communication is still good."Meanwhile, PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said that it is her duty to take over the post of Selangor mentri besar post as decided by the party."Whatever we do lies in the hands of Allah, all these are tests," she said in a brief press conference at the Permatang Nibong mosque.She added that the party emphasises on teamwork so it is not about her taking over the post as a mere "puppet" for her husband Anwar."People can criticise whatever they like. We have a team, teamwork is what we emphasised on now," she said.She said to her, positions are responsibilities entrusted to those who hold them."It is all about serving the people. Whatever we do is all a test," she said.She also pointed out that Anwar was in jail when she became PKR President.Wan Azizah was chosen to replace Khalid by a Pakatan Rakyat council meeting last week.Top leaders from PKR, DAP and PAS agreed on nominating Wan Azizah as the new MB but Khalid is resisting the move.Anwar, the de facto opposition leader had said there will be more discussions within the coalition before a final decision is made on the issue.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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