Pas to remain in Pakatan, says Hadi

2009/11/07

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat: Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said today the party will remain in Pakatan Rakyat to help lead the people towards what he described as a "genuine change".

He told party members attending a special political seminar that Pas would continue to play a more active role to strengthen its participation in the opposition pact.

"In discussing Pas relations with other parties, I would like to reiterate for the umpteenth time that we will continue to be with Pakatan Rakyat to lead the people towards a genuine change.

"We will play a more active role as what we have already decided and debated in two previous Pas general assemblies," he said in his speech at the seminar in Taman Melewar here.

Also present was Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat who had just been discharged from the National Heart Institute.

Nik Abdul Aziz, who was admitted to the institute on Thursday due to fatigue, looked weak and left the seminar after Abdul Hadi delivered his speech.

Abdul Hadi said Pas's continued participation in the opposition pact would not compromise the party's policies, objectives and Islamic struggles.

He also said that the opposition pact managed to check Barisan Nasional's "arrogance".

In facing the next general election, Abdul Hadi said, the party should build on the support of the non-Muslims.
"This is a political reality in a plural society," he said.

He stressed that Pas should practice openness in its relations with others in line with the concept of "dakwah" (preach). -- BERNAMA