PAS has insisted that the three state assemblies under its control will not be dissolved before March next year, party secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said, as talk of early federal polls gains momentum.

“The state governments led by PAS will not dissolve earlier than March 2023 on the basis that the focus is more necessary on recovery in people’s lives, especially in the economic field apart from health,” Takiyuddin said.

PAS currently controls Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

The minister of energy and natural resources continued by saying PAS made the decision in a committee meeting, which took place yesterday.

The Kota Bharu MP said PAS will also find the best formula to co-operation with any party that prioritises unity and harmony for the sake of national stability and the well-being of everyone.

However, he said the party remains firmly opposed to any deal with Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“This includes the proposed big tent concept,” Takiyuddin said in a statement.

However, the party, he said, prioritised the concept of unification of the ummah and national unity in every step and in politics, especially regarding the Malay and Muslim communities.

“PAS is very optimistic that the approach of unifying the ummah can be achieved through the collaboration of the main parties in this country based on the concept of Malay, Islam and Bumiputera unity because it is the most effective formula and accepted by the majority of Malaysians,” he said.

PAS is part of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, together with Bersatu, Gerakan, the Sabah Progressive Party, and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku.

PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday said the coalition should work with the opposition to protect the country from kleptocracy, corruption and abuse of power.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been under heavy pressure from Umno leaders to dissolve parliament and call a general election.

Last week, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi demanded Ismail call snap polls, saying the party could win. – August 30, 2022.