PAS will keep its doors open to working with Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, said its president, Abdul Hadi Awang.

“PAS is consistent and will take a peaceful stance with the federal government (Pakatan Harapan).

“We are also prepared to forge political cooperation with all parties to ensure Islam continues to be at the forefront of leadership,” said Hadi in his policy speech at the opening of PAS’ 64th annual congress in Kuala Terengganu today.

The 70-year-old leader said PAS would adopt “peaceful politics” with its friends and foes alike. 

“This is the best way to increase our membership and supporters,” said Hadi.

This congress saw history in the making today when traditional rivals Barisan Nasional attended the opening ceremony.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, vice-president Ismail Sabri, secretary-general Annuar Musa and MIC deputy president K. Devamany attended the congress this morning.

This is the first time BN leaders have attended the Islamic party’s annual congress since PAS left BN in 1977.

The Marang MP, however, did not touch on whether the party would undertake any formal cooperation with Umno. 

It was predicted that the issue of a PAS-Umno political cooperation would dominate this year’s annual congress. At the Youth wing meeting yesterday, delegates rejected a motion to forge political cooperation with Umno.

Hadi also reiterated his confidence in Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad honouring his promise to pay oil royalties to Kelantan and Terengganu. 

“The signs are positive in this area. We hope that the federal government will also give us more development allocations and investment opportunities despite our political differences. 

“We also hope they will give us the room to amend the Federal Constitution to elevate the position of Islam in the country,” said Hadi. 

Hadi said PAS would use any opportunity given to increase the shariah courts’ jurisdiction by amending the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355).

However, Hadi warned that PAS still faced challenges.

“The new challenges will come from liberal elements, Islamophobia and those against Islamic institutions, the monarchy and Bumiputera rights.

“Threats will also come from liberal movements, misleading cults and homosexual groups that are becoming braver by the day.” – September 15, 2018.