Nik Aziz reminds Hadi he is the captain of the ship

(Bernama) — PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat asserted Friday that he was the captain of the ship (PAS) and reminded its president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to consult first before making any decision about forming a unity government with the Barisan Nasional.

The Kelantan Mentri Besar said he did not want "too many captains in one ship" and conflicting statements made as this could cause confusion among PAS members and affect the party's credibility.

Nik Aziz also reiterated his stand against the idea (unity government) which received the endorsement of the top PAS leadership at its muktamar (general assembly) in Ipoh last year, but said he was open to discussion with Hadi on the matter.

"I, as the Mursyidul Am (spiritual advisor), am like the captain. If the anchor man wants to see me for something I cannot refuse…if the oarsman wants to see me I must also entertain him.

If Hadi wants to see me about it, I would be more than willing to meet him," he told reporters after opening the Kelantanlevel Mapex exhibition here Friday.

Nik Aziz had been asked if he was willing to meet party leaders who are for the unity government to discuss the issue. In PASIR MAS, its member of parliament Datuk Ibrahim Ali said he backed Hadi's call for a unity government, saying it was needed as the Malays had become increasingly disunited.

"I see Hadi also gives a lot of attention to Muslim unity …it (unity government) is in the interest of race, religion and country," he told reporters.

He added that PAS leaders should convince Nik Aziz that the unity government was the best option for the Malays in the present circumstances.

On another matter, he said the Bar Council had ulterior motives in calling for the abolishment of the Sedition Act.

"The laws are made by Parliament and it is not for the Bar Council to question their legality," he said.