Pakatan Harapan open to PAS joining coalition - Mukhriz

Pakatan Harapan is open to the idea of PAS joining the coalition for the unification of Muslims in the country, said Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir.

Mukhriz said any effort to unite the ummah was a good move, though it was hoped that PAS would not impose stringent conditions that would sideline other races.

“We are always open, but whatever it is, we have to be tolerant," the Kedah menteri besar said after closing a state-level Maqasid Syariah programme today.

"We can’t say that we want to unite the Muslims, when at the same time, we eliminate other races.” 

On Friday, Amanah vice-president Husam Musa (photo) invited PAS to consider the offer to join Harapan if they did not want their struggles for over 60 years to overthrow the Umno government to be in vain.

He was reported to have said that if PAS joined Harapan now, they could become part of the government.

Meanwhile, Mukhriz said Bersatu was focusing more on the involvement of Umno members in Harapan to strengthen the existing government, as well as to increase the number of Malay-Muslim MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.

“We have to show kindness and set aside differences. It is for the benefit of everyone,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Mukhriz said the maqasid syariah message and approach, integrated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals were in line with the values of all people, irrespective of religion, race or nation.

“This is because the essence of the inclusive and dynamic elements of the maqasid syariah are in harmony with human nature, not only for Muslims, but for everyone," he said.

On behalf of the Kedah government, he welcomed the government's new policy and was committed to cooperating to achieve the goal.

- Bernama