No.2 says Tok Guru is not PAS
By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, The Malaysian Insider
He may not be aware of the irony but when Nasharudin Mat Isa, deputy president of PAS, said Nik Aziz Nik’s views do not represent the party, it is akin to the Islamist party rejecting its soul as the Tok Guru is PAS spiritual leader.
Nasharudin was, of course, referring to Datuk Seri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s speech at the muktamar last night, when he rubbished talk of a unity government.
“That is the opinion of Tok Guru, but in the organisation we take the party’s stance. Now there isn’t actually any concrete decision made by the party with regards Umno. The issue will be decided by the party,” he said.
Speaking at a ceramah held in conjunction with the party’s 55th muktamar (general assembly), Nik Aziz said those who speak of co-operation with Umno are apparently oblivious to the rivalry between these two arch-rivals throughout their existence.
Nasharudin added that PAS should not “shut the door” on having a dialogue with Umno even though Umno is PAS’s political enemy. He also continued defending the unity talks and said it was a necessity for the betterment of the nation.
“There are many current issues which need to be settled and answered. We think that being a major political organisation, we can contribute by trying to make an impact on the nation,” he added.
Nasharudin further defended the president’s engagement policy and stressed the importance of the party having an open attitude in order to remain relevant in the nation’s politics.
“We have an open attitude when it comes to holding discussions and we did not specify with whom. If MIC wants to discuss with us, we do not have any problem. If the problematic PPP wants to discuss and join Pakatan Rakyat then we welcome them to join,” he explained.
Nasharudin also confirmed that he is on good terms with defeated PAS deputy presidential contender Datuk Husam Musa.
“He was the vice president of the party for two years when I was the deputy and we have worked well together. There were committees that he headed and committees that I headed,” he said.
Nasharudin commented that it is up to him to recommend a position for Husam in the party’s central committee and that the party will meet on Wednesday to discuss this very issue.
