PAS' goal to form gov't a 'fool's dream', Dr M says

PAS' ambition to contest 130 parliamentary seats and form a simple majority government is a "fool's dream", Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

"This is angan-angan Mat Jenin (a fool's dream)," Mahathir said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Asked about the same matter again, the former prime minister replied: "Fantastic".

"I think in the history of PAS, they have always ruled the country, they have formed the government," he added in jest.

Mahathir (photo) said PAS was free to contest the 130 seats, claiming the Islamist party was only seeking to split opposition votes so that BN could win the next election.

At a rally in Shah Alam on Sunday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang announced the party's intention to form the next government.

PAS will be contesting GE14 as a third force, although the party's opponents claim they are in cahoots with the ruling BN government.

As to whether PAS should remain in the Selangor government, Mahathir said the party should quit.

"But I understand why they don't. It's very comfortable, they get money," he said referring to allowances and salaries earned by members of the state government.

PAS' presence in the Selangor government is often a source of friction.

Despite the Islamist party having severed ties with its last ally in Harapan, PKR, in 2017, it continues to be part of the Selangor state government.

Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali has accepted PAS staying in the state government and said this was to continue the mandate given by the people in 2013.

-Mkini