BUTTERWORTH: The rift between PAS and PKR is reaching boiling point in Penang, with 12 of the 13 PAS state divisions formally severing ties with PKR.

Penang PAS secretary Iszuree Ibrahim named the 12 divisions as Nibong Tebal, Permatang Pauh, Bayan Baru, Bukit Bendera, Balik Pulau, Jelutong, Kepala Batas, Tasek Gelugor, Bukit Gelugor, Bagan, Batu Kawan and Bukit Mertajam.

He said the divisions made the decision at their respective AGMs, with the Bukit Mertajam division the latest to do so on Saturday.

Among the first to act was the Permatang Pauh PAS division on March 19.

This was a major blow to PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Permatang Pauh MP.

“The remaining Tanjong division is expected to follow suit at its AGM on Friday,” Iszuree added in his statement to the mdia.

Permatang Pauh PAS chief Omar Hassan had said that the division was disappointed with PKR’s “lack of respect” for his party by cooperating with DAP and Amanah which had attacked the PAS leadership.

He also said that PAS would challenge PKR in Permatang Pauh and all three state seats under the constituency in the next general election.

Two of the state seats – Seberang Jaya and Penanti – are held by PKR, with Permatang Pasir being the only state seat held by PAS in Penang.

In Alor Setar, PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali remained optimistic on cooperation with the Islamist party, saying he believed that the PAS leadership would begin talks with Pakatan Harapan after its muktamar in Kedah from April 27 to May 1.

“I believe that once the muktamar is over, the leadership will be more prepared to come forward and talk,” Azmin told reporters after opening the Kedah and Perlis PKR convention yesterday.

The Selangor Mentri Besar also added that the PKR political bureau decided on March 14 not to cut ties with PAS.

He said a meeting must be held soon with all Pakatan Harapan parties and PAS for a consensus.-thestar