By TK Chua

If only things were as simple as Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the deputy president of PAS has asserted – competition among Opposition parties in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections would only serve to split the votes and allow Barisan Nasional to win again, as was evident in the recent Sarawak poll.

When it comes to the possibility of his party gaining two additional parliamentary seats, Tuan Ibrahim and his party are suddenly so enlightened and rational about the Opposition standing in unity against BN to effectively counter the many instances of malfeasance, abuse of power and failed policies.

Prior to this, did we not witness PAS being rather magnanimous and stating openly that BN needed more time to resolve its many problems? Did we not hear PAS’s president Abdul Hadi Awang, stating he wanted to be an advisor rather than an opposition party to BN? Did we not hear of the prospects of the forming of a “unity government” between PAS and Umno, that neither has denied clearly and unequivocally?

Why then the sudden stand against BN on the GST (Goods and Services Tax), the prime minister’s alleged misconduct, the alleged malfeasance in 1Malaysia Development Berhad and other financial abuses? Has PAS only just awoken from its long slumber?

I have a simple question for Tuan Ibrahim – if it is futile for the Opposition to contest among each other because it would lead to BN’s ultimate victory, may I know how PAS’s win in the by-elections could contribute to the betterment of society and the Opposition’s cause in this country? As it stands, is not a win for PAS similar to a win for BN?

PAS can’t have its cake and eat it too. They can’t run with the hare and hunt with the hounds whenever it suits them. If they disagree with Pakatan Harapan, they must have the honesty to contest against them.

Similarly for Pakatan Harapan, especially Amanah. They should be honest enough to state their stand openly and clearly for the sake of the electorate even though they may lose because of it.

I think most people would expect compromise and cooperation within Pakatan Harapan due to their common resolve and congruence of policies. To the rest, irrespective of whether they are BN, PAS or Ikatan, the treatment should be the same – they are the political enemies of Pakatan Harapan.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.

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