PAS does not need to ride the coat-tails of another party to survive as it is strong enough to stand on its own, says president Abdul Hadi Awang today.

In fact, he added, the situation is the other way round – PAS is needed by other parties to survive and remain politically relevant.

“PAS is strong. We need not ride (the coat-tails of) another party (for survival). In fact, we are the saviours of other parties.

“Many parties are relying on us for their own political survival, (but) we do not have to rely on others for this.

“This is PAS’ speciality,” he said at PAS’ 70th anniversary celebration in Kuala Terengganu today.

Hadi said the party is willing to work with anyone who shares the same interests – defend Islam and treat all equally – adding that its main aim is to save the nation and strengthen Islam.

“Whoever wants to defend Islam and be fair to everyone, we will accept (their collaboration). Those who reject our Islamic principles, we will leave them behind.”

He said the Islamist party aspires to save all, including non-Muslims, but will not force the latter to profess the religion.

“We do not force people to become Muslims, but we are responsible to lead everyone to embrace Islam.

“Those who refuse to accept Islam, we leave their fate to God.”

PAS is in an uneasy relationship with Umno after it chose to work with Bersatu in the Perikatan Nasional pact.

PAS and Umno form Muafakat Nasional, but the direction of the partnership is unclear at the moment.

All three parties are partners in the federal government. – December 12, 2021.