PAS signs Mahathir's 'Malay Proclamation' as political temperature rises

Top PAS leaders today embraced Dr Mahathir Mohamad's "Malay Proclamation", adding fuel to speculation of a coming together of disparate Malay political groups in what could be the strongest challenge to Anwar Ibrahim's government since last year's general election.  

The news was conveyed by Mahathir's aide Abu Bakar Yahya, who posted on Facebook a picture of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang signing the document today.

The move came amid talk of trouble in Anwar's six-month-old government, formed on the back of support from Gabungan Parti Sarawak and his arch-enemy Umno following the inconclusive results of the November polls which led to a hung parliament. 

Anwar has dispelled speculation of a plot to topple his government and expressed confidence, citing strong support from the various coalitions.

A source in PAS told MalaysiaNow that Hadi's signature on the document was important as "he currently represents the biggest Malay Muslim political force".

"While Mahathir and Hadi have never seen eye to eye on theological and religious topics, the PAS leader's willingness to support the proclamation takes away decades of animosity between them," said the source, who is close to the top brass of the Islamist party.

At the last election, PAS, which joined forces with Bersatu in the Perikatan Nasional coalition, took 49 federal seats, the most won by any single political party.