MELAKA: Rembia assemblyman Datuk Muhamad Jailani Khamis said he joined Pas as the party is "untainted". 

Despite facing slanders, he said, Pas was consistent in its party struggle. 

"Every party deals with defamation, but Pas does not have any crisis and its constitution is based on al-Quran and Sunnah.

"As a Muslim, I chose this party as I wish to do the same, and as preparation for the afterlife," he said in a WhatsApp message. 

He said he joined Pas because he felt betrayed when the unity government was formed, as Umno had broken its promise not to work with PKR and DAP in the election.

"The Umno president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) also promised that there would not be any cooperation with (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim from PKR) and DAP.

"Even after losing (the election), we accepted that Umno will become the opposition instead of foregoing the party's struggle, that is, 'Agama, Bangsa dan Tanah Air' or ABATA (religion, people and nation)."

Jailani said the ABATA principle was no longer embraced by Umno leaders who appeared to "jaga hati" Pakatan Harapan leaders. 

He said several issues, including the use of the word "Allah" and other Islamic matters, were treated as irrelevant, as well as other matters such as tax increases, hikes in water tariffs and debts prompted him to leave the party.

 "I chose to stay silent, waiting to see how the government would react.

"My heart no longer wants to remain in the unity government." 

When asked about the date of his joining Pas, he said it was on the day party secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan announced the matter a few days ago, as he was unable to locate his membership certificate.

He said he would submit an official letter to State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Wira Ibrahim Durum soon. 

Zahid had said he would leave it to Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to take action against Jailani.

Out of 28 state seats, the Melaka state legislative assembly now has three elected representatives from the opposition.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/07/1078140/pas-untainted-consistent-party-struggle-says-rembia-rep