KUALA LUMPUR: In preparation for a new opposition pact, dubbed Pakatan Rakyat 2.0, former PAS leaders who were ousted from senior positions at the party’s June muktamar officially launched their splinter vehicle yesterday.

Called New Hope Movement (Gerakan Harapan Baru [GHB]), the movement was launched by former PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Membership will be open to all, including non-Muslims.

Among those present at the launch were leaders “purged” in the contentious party election, including former PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub, Datuk Husam Musa, Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, Suhaizan Kaait and defeated presidential hopeful Ahmad Awang.

They and others, such as Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Sepang member of parliament (MP) Hanipa Maidin, Shah Alam MP Khalid Abdul Samad and former Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, will form the pro tem committee of GHB.

Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, said GHB will become a political party after the necessary approvals are obtained from the Registrar of Societies (RoS).

“The arrival of Pakatan Rakyat in the last two parliamentary sessions has changed the country’s political landscape,” Mat Sabu said.

“It is unfortunate that Pakatan is no longer able to function as before, and this has affected the agenda to bring about a big change to the country,” he said.

Pakatan was declared “dead” after PAS and DAP ended relations last month.

Mat Sabu said the new movement will hold roadshows from Perlis to Sabah for one month, beginning at the end of this month, to interact with the people and to explain its goals in order to set up a new opposition pact, or Pakatan Rakyat 2.0.

He added that the movement’s Islamic thrust will be based on the principles of inclusiveness, progressiveness and concern for the people.

“We are committed to the real values of Islam, ‘mercy to all’ which gives protection and justice to all Malaysians.

“We also support democratic principles, where we respect the position of people of every race and religion, and embrace diversity which fits within the framework of the Federal Constitution,” said Mat Sabu.

As for its stand on hudud when it becomes a political party, Mat Sabu said the group will adhere to the principles of parliamentary democracy and consultation when discussing syariah law. — The Malaysian Insider

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on July 14, 2015.