PAS’ cooperation with others, especially Umno through the Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact, will be the main item on the agenda at the party’s muktamar (annual congress) next weekend, sources said.

They said the other major matter is the logo to be used in the next general election – if the party should use its own logo or go with that of the Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Apart from that, delegates are also expected to touch on seat distribution and the quota of seats to be allocated for the clerics in the party, said the sources.

They also considered this muktamar to be an important one in determining PAS’ direction in the general election.

“There will be a lot of emphasis on the issue of PAS’ cooperation with other parties and the issue of the use of the party symbol,” a source told The Malaysian Insight.

“This muktamar is very important to ensure the machinery is well-oiled and effective, as before this, the members may not have been clear about the direction and stance of PAS.”

Sources also denied that there will be tension as a result of the clash between two groups – those who are inclined towards PN or “Geng Publika” and the group that favours cooperation with Umno or “Geng Ustaz”.

According to sources, the clash between these two groups is still under control even after one of the main pro-Umno figures, Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali, was dismissed from the party and later left PAS.

“So far, there is no wave of anyone leaving the party with Khairuddin. Maybe only 1% (left),” the source said.

Last Saturday, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said there were no resolutions proposed for the party to end its ties with Umno.

He said PAS was firm on seeking unity of the community (ummah) and this was not limited to cooperating with Umno but also with other parties that have similar principles and aims.

Although PAS formed a working cooperation with former rival Umno under the MN pact, it has since found better ties with Bersatu in PN.

PN had recently decided that parties in the pact would use the coalition’s logo for the next general election but there are some leaders in PAS who still insist on using their party’s moon logo.

Jelebu PAS deputy chairman Muhammad Faudzi Jalil Al-Ahmadi said the party’s grassroots were not confused over the logo issue as they have been given the understanding that PAS will enter the elections together with PN and use the PN symbol.

“Regarding the relationship with Umno and MN, PAS has never severed this relationship and cooperation, but Umno has decided not to cooperate.

“PAS remains with the stance of wanting the three largest Malay parties, namely PAS, Bersatu and Umno, to work together and agree on GE15,” he said, referring to the next general election.

Meanwhile, Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar said Takiyuddin’s statement implied that PAS did not want to stop working with Umno.

“They want there to be room for cooperation even after GE15,” he said.

“For example, in GE15, if Umno can get 70 seats, PAS can get 30-35 seats, so Umno cannot form a government except with PAS.

“The rejection of cooperation is under the leadership of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, but under the leadership of Ismail Sabri Yaakob (in the government), it is not an issue.”

The 68th PAS muktamar will be held on September 3 and 4 at the Kedah PAS Complex, Kota Sarang Semut in Alor Star. The party wing is scheduled to meet the day before. –  August 27, 2022.