MORE people in the east coast states, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu, are joining Amanah, said party president Mohamad Sabu.

He said the Pas splinter party’s membership had been increasing since Pakatan Harapan captured Putrajaya in the 14th general election.

“I am confident when I see this positive development, and right now a state that is receiving a lot of new members is Kelantan.

“The same is starting to happen in Terengganu. I was told that the district where the forms are being heavily distributed is in Manir, which is close to Rusila,” said Mohamad at Amanah’s third anniversary celebration in Pahang today.

Rusila is a district in Marang, which is Pas president Abdul Hadi Awang’s parliament.

Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, acknowledged that states with Malay majorities, such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Kedah, were still the strongholds of Pas and Barisan Nasional.

He, however, said Amanah was increasing its membership, where in the first month after GE14, it received 2,000 new members.

Mat Sabu did not say which group of people in these east coast states was beating a path to the party, but two days ago party vice-president Mahfuz Omar said 12,000 Pas members joined the party last month

He said the Islamist party’s possible alliance with its one-time arch nemesis Umno is putting off some of the party members, making them turn to Amanah.

Meanwhile, Mohamad also said it is more difficult for former opposition leaders like him to speak now after they have joined the government.

“To manage victory, it is something new. That is why it is more difficult to speak as a leader of a ruling party than to speak as a leader for an opposition party.

“Now, as a leader in a ruling party, as well one who is a minister,  it is difficult to speak and everything said is being scrutinized. Even the word ‘and’ and a comma ,” said Mohamad, who is defence minister.

He said it is a huge responsibility to protect the trust of the people as well as maintaining PH’s victory in GE14. – September 22, 2018.