Perlis Bersatu Chief Wants Intervention To Quell State Pas Tensions

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Perlis Bersatu chairperson Abu Bakar Hamzah has insisted that the state PAS chapter should not hide the problems and divisions within the party at this time.
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Abu Bakar, who is also state Perikatan Nasional deputy chairperson, said that PAS' leadership needs to clarify the current situation to jointly build strength in the coalition.
“If the internal division that is happening now continues to be hidden, it is feared to become more severe and protracted.
“Don’t hide it anymore, resolve it so that this issue doesn't last longer.
“For that reason, we also ask the highest leadership of PAS and PN to come down to Perlis to help resolve this division immediately,” he said.
Perlis Bersatu chairperson Abu Bakar HamzahYesterday, Abu Bakar claimed that the internal row within Perlis PAS spans several issues including “religious understanding” and matters related to the governance of the state, which was snatched from over seven decades of Umno rule last year.
He reportedly said the Perlis PAS internal conflict had put the state Bersatu chapter in an awkward situation due to its turmoil.
Several incidents
Since PAS took over the state administration, there have been several incidents between state government bodies and the Islamist party.
These include action taken by the Perlis Islamic Affairs Department against a closed-door event held at Kangar PAS division premises in March, which allegedly involved an Islamic preacher who was not authorised to operate in the state.
PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin reportedly said the internal rift in Perlis PAS was still under control and would be resolved within a week.
PAS spiritual leader Hashim JasinHe pointed out that disagreement was normal in political parties.
Meanwhile, Abu Bakar said the call he made regarding the issue was not aimed at bringing down PN or PAS in Perlis but to rectify the coalition's position in the state.
“We understand PAS has the principle of always hiding any problems they face but, in this case, it cannot be allowed to drag on and needs to be resolved immediately.
“Then we can build strength and hope that PN can rule for several more decades in this state after taking over the leadership in GE15,” he said. - Mkini

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