KUALA LUMPUR: PAS plans to hold a gathering in October to show support for its leadership and strengthen its members’ commitment towards the Islamist party, its Youth chief Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz said.

Nik Abduh said the gathering would be held either in Selangor or Kuala Lumpur, adding that the party hopes to attract 60,000 members and supporters.

“The reason we want to gather all PAS members and supporters in one place is to provide strength and support to the leadership and remind all members to stay committed to PAS.

“We are confident of attracting 60,000 people because previously we managed to get 30,000. We believe we can achieve this target.”

Nik Abduh said PAS’ current problems stemmed mostly from internal bickering, and said those not satisfied with the party should leave.

His call came as the party battles an internal crisis following the defeat of its progressive leaders in the last party polls, leading to the formation of Gerakan Harapan Baru, or the New Hope Movement.

The splinter group is set to be launched as a political party before Merdeka Day on Aug 31, before forming an alliance with PKR and DAP to replace the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

“That’s the solution ... form a new party and attack from outside. It is better. From the religious point of view, it is not a sin. It is democratic,” Nik Abduh said.

He said details of the gathering would be announced soon, and welcomed the public to take part.

“We want to show Malaysians and [PAS] members that we are able to resolve our internal issues without delay.

“I truly believe the matter will not be prolonged. PAS Youth is convinced that everything will be settled by December.”

Nik Abduh said the party had received between 4,000 and 5,000 new members despite the crisis.

On Bersih 4.0, Nik Abduh said he was considering to attend the rally, and encouraged PAS members to join as the Islamist party had always agreed with Bersih’s demands. This comes despite only PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man was formally invited by Bersih 4.0 to join the rally.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang previously said the party would only send three representatives to the rally. He also said PAS would organise another gathering separately and would invite others. — The Malaysian Insider

This article first appeared in digitaledge Daily, on August 17, 2015.