Sun Sep 15 10:22:00 UTC 2024: ## PAS to Maintain Oath of Loyalty Despite Anti-Party Hopping Rules

**TEMERLOH:** PAS, despite introducing anti-party hopping regulations, will continue to uphold the “bai’ah,” an oath of loyalty, to further strengthen its control over members, said Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 70th PAS Muktamar in Kerdau on Sunday, Tuan Ibrahim stressed that the bai’ah, a spiritual commitment, complements the physical regulations. He believes the oath will instill fear and reinforce the responsibility of elected representatives to their constituents.

The bai’ah, commonly recited by PAS members, has historically been used to discourage betrayal of the party. Breaking the oath has been known to have serious consequences, as evidenced by a former PAS official who was forced to divorce his wife as a result.

The amended PAS constitution includes regulations preventing elected representatives from switching allegiances to parties not including PAS. This will result in the termination of their membership.

Regarding potential inter-party cooperation, Tuan Ibrahim stated that PAS was not keen on discussions with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi due to his ongoing corruption charges. He differentiated Zahid’s case from that of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, whose case is also ongoing.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail echoed this sentiment, expressing his disapproval of any negotiations that bypass Zahid or create internal conflict within Umno.

PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, while acknowledging the ongoing legal matters, remains open to cooperation with Umno, citing the existing Muafakat Nasional (MN) framework as an example. MN, celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, was formed without the involvement of Zahid, who was on leave at the time.

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