Pas: Kedah govt can act on own accord
DAP, PKR can’t interfere in MB’s decision, warns ulama chief
(New Straits Times) – DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) must not interfere in decisions made by the Pas-led Kedah government, said Pas Dewan Ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib.
He said it was easy for PKR to criticise decisions made by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak.
“Although we (Pas, DAP and PKR) are in a pact, that does not mean we have to agree with everything that the other party says. We must have the freedom to act on our own.
“It is easy for PKR to criticise US as they are not in Azizan’s position,” said Harun.
On whether Azizan’s move contradicted the opposition alliance’s stand, Harun said: “Azizan is the menteri besar and has the right to make any decision, regardless of whether others are happy with it.”
Harun was reacting to a statement by PKR communications director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on Friday criticising Azizan for suspending five students from state-owned Kolej Universiti Insaniah (Kuin).
Nik Nazmi said it regretted Kuin’s decision to apply the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) on the five students.
However, Azizan, who is Kuin chairman, said there must not be outside interference as it was a local issue and was not related to the opposition’s pledge to abolish UUCA if it into power.
Last April, the five students were suspended after they staged a protest against Kuin’s plan to vacate the hostel and make way for the state government’s smart school, Sekolah Insan Bistari.
Yesterday, Azizan, in an online report, said “Buku Jingga was not the Quran, which must be followed through all the time.”
Nik Nazmi said all opposition leaders must stand by the promises that they had made to the people.
“Yes, our Buku Jingga is not the Quran. But it is our promise to the people, so we must live up to it.
“There is no issue or doubt about this as it is our common guide.”
Nik Nazmi said all opposition leaders and the state governments under them must be consistent in delivering their manifesto.
“We have been pushing for UUCA’s abolishment at the federal level. That being the case, we must have the same spirit and sing to the same tune at the state level.
“It is important for us to show consistency in delivering our pledges to the people.”
He said it was the opposition’s stand to abolish UUCA and Pas must abide by it.
“This is our commitment to the voters. When we make promises to them, we have the responsibility to deliver.”
In Alor Star, Azizan hit out at constitution expert Professor Dr Abdul Aziz Bari.
“I advise him to stop acting like a politician. Be a party division chief first, then he can talk. He can urge for action to be taken against me, but on what grounds?”
Azizan was reacting to Aziz’s call for the opposition to take action against him (Azizan) for going against its stand on matters relating to UCCA.
