PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat has asked party deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa to quit the party and join Umno over his continued stand in forging alliance with the rival party.
"The issue of forming a unity government is not something which came from PAS as a whole. It was a personal idea of someone.
"This matter was never discussed in PAS or within Pakatan Rakyat," he said.
"If it is true that Nasharuddin supports the formation of a unity government, it is best that he joins Umno by quitting his PAS post (as deputy president) and as an MP for Bachok," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
"Don't cause problems in the party," added the Kelantan menteri besar. He spoke to reporters after chairing state exco meeting in Kota Bahru.
This remark made by the most senior party leader today indicated that the party was clearly heading towards an open rift over the issue of holding unity talks with Umno.
Nik Aziz has been a vocal critic of having any links with Umno, constantly reminding the party members and leaders of the party's bad experience in forming alliance with Umno in the 1970s.
Disappointed with Nasharuddin
He had previously labelled those who backed the unity talks as ‘Umno puppets' and called such talks as "ridiculous".
The main backer to hold such talks is party president Abdul Hadi Awang. His deputy Nasharuddin is also a vocal supporter of the talks.
Nik Aziz also said that he was disappointed with Nasharuddin's stand on the unity government issue as the situation has now allowed for a rift in the party.
"The Umno people are having a gala time now as PAS is in turmoil...Pakatan is in turmoil."
He also added that if Barisan Nasional was genuine about forming a unity government, it should then appoint some Pakatan leaders as ministers.
"If it is agreeable to all, PAS (leader) can be a minister, DAP and PKR as well," he said.
DPM: Be clear on what you want
Yesterday Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said that he was open to such talks with PAS.
After first broaching the subject at the PAS Muktamar two weeks ago, Hadi had then imposed conditions that he was willing to talk to Umno if the latter was ready to implement some democratic reforms.
Yesterday Nasharuddin responded to Najib by saying that PAS was willing to talk to Umno on matters of national interest but ruled out discussions on a unity government.
Earlier today PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali said that the party would hold unity talks with Umno only if its Pakatan Rakyat partners - PKR and DAP - are included in the talks.
Responding to this Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said BN was clear in what it wants from the unity talks and urged the Pakatan allies to be united in what they want.
‘They should not keep changing goalposts," he said.
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Invite DAP, PKR to the ball or PAS won't dance
Hafiz Yatim Jun 17, 09 11:17am
PAS today told Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak that it will hold unity talks with Umno only if its Pakatan Rakyat partners PKR and DAP are included.
The condition was set by new PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali today.
"If Najib is not willing to have that, then we will not have talks with Umno," he told a packed press conference at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
He said that PAS will have to ask DAP and PKR if they are agreeable to the idea (on talks with Umno and Barisan Nasional).
“However, let me reiterate that we are committed to Pakatan. We will not be traitors. If Najib is not agreeable to having talks with PKR and DAP, then there will not be any unity talks.
“The concept of unity is where all political parties should be involved in resolving national issues. It is a misconception that the unity talks will only include PAS and Umno,” he added.
The issue of PAS forming a unity government with Umno cropped up at the recently held PAS muktamar (annual assembly) where it was openly promoted by party president Abdul Hadi Awang.
However, Hadi's proposal met with severe objections from his own party although his deputy Nasharuddin Mat Isa was supportive of the idea.
PAS leaders who are against such talks include its spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and former vice-president Husam Musa.
Pakatan leaders have also expressed concern over Hadi's readiness to talk with Umno.
This is just an 'engagement'
Meanwhile, Mustafa said the people have to differentiate between ‘unity government’ and ‘engagements’.
Explaining further, the PAS secretary-general said in an ‘engagement’, political parties can have individual discussions with Umno and BN, like what the party did in meeting former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo last year.
“Abdullah asked for the meeting in (his house) for unity Malay talks following the 12th general election. So PAS was represented by Nasharuddin, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad and myself.
“At that time, Abdullah offered the post of Selangor and Perak menteri besar to PAS. He also offered federal posts to our leaders. However, as PAS was steadfast in its Islamic struggle, we rejected the offer of such restricted co-operation,” he added.
Mustafa said the party's stand has always been that “we can engage with Umno on national issues” like when PAS leaders were invited to be part of the national economic council during former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s era.
Different views in Pakatan
He pointed out that within Pakatan, parties may have different views like DAP and PKR supported the return of former Communist Party Malaya leader Chin Peng while PAS opposed the idea.
Asked if Nik Aziz has accepted the explanation, Mustafa said the question should be directed at the spiritual leader.
“I know there was a meeting between him, Hadi, (PKR supremo) Anwar Ibrahim and Haron Din (PAS deputy spiritual leader) to explain but I do not know what was his response,” he said.
Nik Aziz has called the PAS leaders who supported the talks as ‘Umno puppets’ and today urged Nasharuddin to quit the party and join PAS.
To another question whether PAS will hold a special muktamar to discuss the unity talks, Mustafa said the (unity talks) have not even taken place.
“This is a non-issue as we have yet to get to that stage,” he said.
Malaysiakini
17/06/09
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