Nik Aziz’s outburst to be discussed on Monday

(Bernama) – The call by PAS’ spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat that Nasharuddin Mat Isa quit as party deputy president for supporting a unity government is expected to be discussed at the party’s meeting which will be chaired by party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang on Monday, said several party leaders.

According to them, Abdul Hadi who is now in London, is expected back this Saturday. Vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said he was surprised by the strong statement by Nik Aziz on Nasharuddin. However, he said, he did not take it as the beginning of a break-up of the party.

Another vice-president, Salahudin Ayub, said such matters were decided on at party meetingsfollowing party tradition .

PAS central committee member Datuk Taib Azamuddin Md Taib said he was confident the party’s top leadership would be able to resolve the matter.

Nik Aziz today openly asked Nasharuddin resign posts in the party as well as Bachok MP if he wanted to continue with the unity government agenda.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he was confident the matter could be resolved wisely by PAS’s leadership while DAP senior leader Lim Kit Siang said he will hear for himself the clarification from PAS’s president at the meeting.

In ALOR STAR, Kedah Menteri Besar and state PAS Commissioner, Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak, said Nik Abdul Aziz should rather seek an explanation from Nasharuddin before deciding on the matter.

“As the head, Tok Guru (Nik Aziz) can call Nasharuddin, ask for an explanation … can’t make an assumption based on newspaper statements.

“True, Tok Guru opposes (a unity government) but it is too early to make a decision as there will be confusion and it is not pleasant among members,” he said.

Umno Gua Musang youth chief Bazlan Baharuddin said Nik Aziz’s statement was due to worry that PAS’s power was threatened in Kelantan.