PAS agrees with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the next general election, GE16, should be called early, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said today.
He said an early election would return the mandate to the people and allow them to choose a new government amid the country’s uncertain political situation.
“We need to get out of the current political situation,” he said at a press conference after launching the PAS Youth muktamar here today.
Earlier, Zahid said Barisan Nasional and Umno wanted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to call GE16 early instead of waiting for the automatic dissolution of Parliament at the end of next year.
He said the Umno-led coalition would also be prepared if the prime minister chose to serve out the government’s full five-year term.
Tuan Ibrahim said elections in several states could also be held alongside GE16, which would reduce costs for the Election Commission.
He said GE16 should be held early as the people were tired of prolonged political manoeuvring and unable to focus on other matters.
“We have faced this situation for over a year. I think the people are tired of it,” he said when met by reporters later.
PAS and Umno talks on Melaka seats
On a separate matter, Tuan Ibrahim expressed hope that the PAS and Umno negotiation teams would be able to resolve the issue of seat allocations for the Melaka state election.
He said PAS respected a motion by its youth wing for the party to defend its existing seats in Melaka, but negotiations with PAS’s allies would continue to minimise clashes between the parties.
“Consensus is important. If all parties are in agreement, we will find a way. Minimising clashes is the priority,” he said.
PAS says unity agenda is for all Malaysians
Tuan Ibrahim also stressed that PAS’s agenda of uniting the ummah was not limited to Malays but extended to all Malaysians.
“We are not seeking to only unite the Malays. However, the Malay majority remains the core of Malaysian politics,” he said.
