In his outgoing speech, PAS Youth chief Salahuddin said he wanted the party to be the driving force of Pakatan Rakyat.
The Islamic party leader also took a swipe at arch-rival Umno, calling it a “political dinosaur”.
“We are not a sleeping partner in Pakatan or just being there as a filler - we want PAS to be the backbone of Pakatan to end the cruelty, oppression and abuse of power in Barisan Nasional,” he said at the Youth muktamar in Gombak this evening.
Salahuddin, who will be contesting for vice-presidency, stressed that PAS Youth is key to realising this dream.
However, he was quick to add that it does not mean PAS will take driver’s seat in Pakatan but said the Islamic party will play an important role just like its two other coalition partners.
He also said while Pakatan has won the hearts and minds of voters in Peninsular Malaysia, it must maintain its integrity to strengthen the opposition coalition.
Salahuddin dismissed Umno as a “westernised party without any decisive ideology”.
“Umno’s materialistic and individualistic nature will lead to its downfall… meanwhile, PAS is dedicated to the (Islamic) teachings and to Allah.
“We prioritise justice, equality and welfare without discrimination. This is the difference that enables PAS to remain relevant in Malaysian politics while Umno is slowly becoming extinct like dinosaurs,” he added.
Salahuddin contended that the end was near for Umno.
Professionals vs clerics
The outgoing youth leader also commended the efforts undertaken by PAS Youth under his six-year leadership.
He advised the future leadership of the youth wing to embrace new technology in order to engage with the younger generation.
Salahuddin also lashed out at critics for attempting to create a divide between the ulama and the professional factions in PAS.
“They are trying to exploit the freedom of speech in PAS to supposedly expose the differences between the factions,” he said.
Meanwhile, deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa denied that there was an attempt for PAS to join forces with Umno.
In his opening speech at the Youth muktamar, Nasharudin said those allegations were aimed at driving a wedge between party members.
He asserted that the party had not wavered from its position to strengthen the Pakatan coalition.
“The central leadership has never tried to join BN or Umno… (And) I am sure that my brothers in the Youth will stand with me on this,” said Nasharudin.
He also told the 500 Youth delegates that it was crucial to defend the ulama leadership so that the party will retain its Islamic identity.
Come Friday, Nasharuddin who is from the ulama faction will be challenged by Husam Musa, from the professional faction for the number two slot.
Also in the race is vice-president Mohammad Sabu, who was also present at the muktamar.
Other luminaries included national laureate A Samad Said, who recited a poem titled ‘Suara dari dinding’, DAP Youth chief Anthony Loke as well as top PAS leaders Kamaruddin Jaafar and Mustafa Ali.
No comments:
Post a Comment