Mass resignation by Batu PAS committee members in protest over Hadi’s leadership

In an act of protest against party president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, more than half of Batu PAS  branch committee members have resigned from their posts.

Batu PAS chairman Ishak Surin (pic) said that the resignation of 17 out of PAS Batu’s 25 committee members was due to the dissatisfaction that the members felt towards the party’s central leadership.

“We feel disappointed and sad for what we feel is the failure of PAS’ central leadership, especially the president, for failing to manage the party’s internal issues which have led to prolonged crises in the party.

“The president should hold discussions with grassroots party members to address internal issues within the party that have led to disunity among members,” explained Ishak at a press conference on Monday.

He said that many grassroots members of the party felt that they have been left in the dark over important issues in the party.

He added that they also did not agree with Hadi’s behaviour towards the other two parties in Pakatan Rakyat, PKR and DAP, which they felt might jeopardise the coalition.

“We hope that the president will not be indecisive on issues that involve PAS and Pakatan Rakyat, as he did during the Selangor mentri besar issue,” he said.

PAS Batu vice-chairman Datuk Tarmizi Mohd Jam added that it is especially important that Hadi maintained the unity between PAS and other parties in Pakatan Rakyat.

“This (the mass  resignation) is for PAS and Pakatan Rakyat, as without Pakatan Rakyat, PAS will be stronger,” said Tarmizi, adding that it is important for Pakatan Rakyat to stay united for the next general election.

He hoped that the resignation of PAS Batu committee members will spur the party’s central leadership and other members of the party to work towards addressing both the party’s internal issues and its issues with other parties within the Pakatan Rakyat.

“Let us become the candle (lilin) and be burned in sacrifice to ensure a better future for PAS,” he added.