I’m not perturbed, says Nik Aziz

(The Star) – AS spiritual advisor Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat says he is not too concerned by the possibility of a split in the party following his call for a special muktamar to weed out “troublemakers”.

The Kelantan Mentri Besar said his greatest concern was to resolve once and for all the thorny issue of unity government proposed by Umno which had caused uncertainty among the members and the failure of party president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang to effectively discharge his duties.

He said other parties, including Umno and MCA, have held their respective EGMs, albeit for different reasons, thus there was no reason for PAS to be fearful of a split should the special muktamar be held.

Nik Aziz had on Friday called for the special muktamar to determine the fate of several leaders, including its deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa, secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali and Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hassan Ali whom he alleged were pro-Umno.

“Even if it causes a split, so be it. I am at peace now as I have done what I feel is my responsibility as a leader.

“I hate it when people criticise me or the party or because the president chooses to remain silent when the party is condemned for not solving the unity government issue,” he told reporters at his home here yesterday.

Another issue that needed to be resolved, he said, was the non-action by Abdul Hadi over Hassan’s open spat with Pakatan Rakyat leaders in Selangor, which had drawn much flak from party members.

He said it was now up to the members to decide whether his suggestion held merit or otherwise.

“I do not want this issue to be left hanging and at least I am doing something about it.

“Whether they want to listen to my advice or not is immaterial to me because I have made known my discontent,” he added.

Nik said he decided to call for the special muktamar after a group of 60 people who visited him had asked “how Pakatan could rule the country when there were leaders in PAS who wanted to be with Umno?”