Fifty former PAS members from Tendong state constituency today submitted their application forms to join Umno, claiming that PAS had gone haywire and drifted away from its original cause, especially after the death of its longest-serving spiritual leader, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

The group’s spokesperson, Mat Zahid Junoh, 55, said they were disappointed with the situation in PAS now and had opted to join Umno which they believed was able to champion Islam and the Malays.

“Since Tok Guru (Nik Abdul Aziz) died, PAS has gone haywire and drifted away from its original cause. The current leaders differed greatly from their predecessors.

“PAS and the opposition tend to blame others, especially the federal government (for everything) and would not see, let alone to admit their own mistakes,” he told reporters after submitting the forms to Kelantan Umno chairperson Mustapa Mohamed at the People’s Feast event in Kampung Paloh, Tendong in Pasir Mas.

Also present was Kelantan Umno secretary Senator Hanafi Mamat.

Mat Zahid said he was confident that more PAS members would give their support to Umno during the 14th general election.

Meanwhile, Mustapa, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said the wind of change had begun blowing in Kelantan, especially in Tendong, which is among PAS’ strongholds.

“We hope bigger changes will take place after this because Umno and BN came in peace and hope to work together for the sake of Islam, the people and the whole nation.

“BN will always strive to ensure people’s wellbeing with aid and assistance given from time to time,” he added.

- Bernama