KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Parti Islam Se-Malaysia PAS will not join the federal government led by the Pakatan Harapan PH coalition and its component Democratic Action Party DAP The party, known for its brand of conservative Islam, will instead act as the opposition, said Secretary General Takiyuddin Hassan, who voted for PAS and its wider Perikatan Nasional PN coalition at Malaysia's 15th General Election GE 15 last Saturday.
After considering various angles and examining public opinion, PAS will not be joining the federal government led by PH and DAP in order to protect the trust and majority mandate of the people, especially voters who voted for PAS and PN in GE 15.
The PAS will continue to act as a constructive opposition by advising all parties to ensure national governance runs smoothly, said Mr Takiyuddin.
PH Chairman Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the country's 10th prime minister on Thursday at the Istana Negara.
This came after a special meeting among Malaysia's rulers after several days of political uncertainty with last Saturday's election failing to produce a clear winner.
On Friday, Anwar said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah GRS had agreed to join a Malaysian unity government comprising PH, Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
Anwar has stated his willingness to work with all coalitions, including the PN.
He hasn't announced his Cabinet line-up, but he said on Friday that it would be downsized and Cabinet members have been asked to agree with his proposal to reduce their salaries.