IT’S no coincidence that PAS’ decision to end ties with PKR only came as the Islamists grew closer to arch enemy Umno.

PAS’ decision to cut ties with PKR follows months of cordial relations between PAS and its traditional rival Umno, said jailed former Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

PAS’ decision Anwar noted, comes after it did not oppose Barisan Nasional’s 2017 budget last year or join the Bersih 5 rally for electoral reform.

“PAS’ decision is shocking and disappointing but we will accept it. Keadilan does not need to be obsessed with the decision,” Anwar said in a special message to PKR’s annual congress in Shah Alam this morning.

Anwar, who is de-facto PKR leader, said his party will instead focus on strengthening the new coalition with the DAP, Amanah, Bersatu and other reform-minded NGOs.

His statement, penned in the Sungai Buloh prison and smuggled out by his lawyers, was read out by his daughter and party vice-president, Nurul Izzah.

PAS had cut ties with its remaining ally in the main Opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, after it accused PKR of betraying it.

Anwar also refuted PAS’s claims that PKR did not support its right to table a parliamentary bill to increase Syariah penalties. –  May 21, 2017.