PAS: PM gives 'impression' of a 'clash of titans' brewing

PAS today claimed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had given them the impression that he will be a victim in a "clash of titans" brewing within Pakatan Harapan.

"On speculation that some are trying to threaten Mahathir as prime minister, PAS reiterates recent developments among Harapan leaders, either through statements or acts, including what Mahathir himself said, gave the general impression there was a heavy conflict or a 'clash of titans' among Harapan leaders with regard to Mahathir's leadership," said the party in a statement today.

The party also claimed that Mahathir was facing "insubordination" and therefore PAS cannot be blamed for negative perceptions faced by Harapan.

"The onus is on Harapan parties to explain incidents or speculations on this, which have caused confusion and become an open secret," said the party.

The PAS statement did not clearly state details of the problems they alleged Mahathir was facing.

Following a meeting between top PAS officials and Mahathir last Friday, PAS leaders have claimed repeatedly they would support Mahathir if a vote of no-confidence against him was tabled in Parliament.

The statement today said the party would support Mahathir in such a scenario because it was in the interest of the country and had nothing to do with ongoing investigations of PAS' source of funding.

"PAS stresses that any support given to anyone, including the federal government and more specifically the prime minister, is on the basis of amar makruf nahi mungkar (do good and forbid what's wrong) apart from playing the check and balance role, which is a key element of a healthy democracy," said the party.

The ambiguous nature of PAS' support for the ruling party is not a new phenomenon.

Prior to the 14th general election, PAS, while sitting on the opposition bench, had sometimes voted for or against, or simply abstained from voting on government bills.