Husam, Haron spar over ‘traitors’ remark

By Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider

Defeated PAS deputy presidential contender Datuk Husam Musa and Datuk Haron Din today sparred over the prominent ulama’s remark that the Islamist party has “traitors”.

Haron’s remarks and his proposal to limit party leadership to clerics was seen as an attempt to stop the popular Kelantan executive councillor from becoming the PAS No 2, which was retained by incumbent Nasharudin Mat Isa.

“I hope Datuk Dr Haron Din can explain what he meant by certain words used in his speech,” said Husam when winding up the debate as outgoing vice-president.

In his keynote address at the seminar to celebrate the silver jubilee of leadership by the ulama in the party, Haron said that the Islamist party is in danger of being taken over by the enemies within.

The deputy spiritual adviser also proposed changes the election process and to limit the powers of muktamar delegates in selecting party leadership, in an attempt to tighten the grip of the conservative ulama in the party and curb the influence of the pro-Pakatan Rakyat (PR), Erdogan faction and a major setback to Husam’s campaign.

Haron later walked to the stage, where he declared that his speech was not directed at any party.

“I am sorry if anyone misinterpreted my statement,” said the well-known faith healer.

“The major thing from my speech that was widely reported was that I said there are ‘traitors in the party’, I would like that I have never said ‘musuh dalam selimut’, all I said was enemies are everywhere.

“Can we deny the fact that such a big movement does not have any enemy?” Haron asked, adding the reminder was to ensure PAS kept to its Islamic principles.

“The diseases that have infected non-Islamic parties may infect us, this disease is serious, the difference between an Islamic and a non-Islamic party is loyalty to leadership,” said Haron.

“Members must obey the decisions by the party especially the decision made by the president,” he added.

Party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang won his post without contest but delegates have criticised his proposal to have talks on a unity government with the dominant Umno in the ruling Barisan Nasional federal government.

Haron and a few others have sided with Abdul Hadi while the pro-Pakatan leaders are backed by spiritual adviser and Kelantan mentri besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat.