Nik Aziz reiterates stand of not recognising Israel

(The Star) – PAS will not budge from its stand on Israel and it is up to Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to accept it, said PAS spiritual leader Datuk Seri Nik Aziz Nik Mat.

Nik Aziz said in a statement that not recognising the state of Israel “is fair as its existence is a cruelty, inhumane and denies the rights of Muslims and the people of Palestine.”

“It is haram (illegal) to conspire with Israel in any sort of way.”

Anwar met Nik Aziz, who is Kelantan Mentri Besar, on Tuesday to explain his remarks in the Wall Street Journal over Israel’s security.

“Datuk Seri Anwar explained all the issues that have been raised.

“Understanding his explanation, I would like to reiterate PAS stand, as decided by the Syura Council, that PAS will not for once endorse the illegal state of Israel,” said Nik Aziz.

“We are firm in supporting the struggle of the Palestinians who are insulted in their own land. It is up to Datuk Seri Anwar to accept PAS stand on this,” he said, adding that Pakatan Rakyat would not be jeopardised by the issue.

“I believe Datuk Seri Anwar understands our stand towards Israel and Palestine.

“Therefore, the issue of PAS abandoning its principles in Pakatan Rakyat does not arise. I am confident Pakatan Rakyat supports the struggles of Palestine,” he said.

Last week, Nik Aziz asked Anwar to retract his statements in WSJ or sue the newspaper if it had misquoted him.