PAS council: Azmin can say what he wants, he is disrespectful

(The Star) – The PAS Syura Council, not happy with Azmin Ali’s remarks that its decision on the kalimah Allah issue isn’t the stand taken by Pakatan Rakyat leaders, said the PKR deputy president was being disrespectful to the council.

PAS ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib (picture) said: “PAS stands by the Syura Council, as it is the supreme body responsible for policies and major decisions in the party.

“Let him (Azmin) say whatever he wants. I do not want to comment about him. That is his matter.”

Azmin had reportedly said at a press conference on Thursday that the Opposition pact was sticking to its decision that non-Muslims can use the word “Allah” despite the council stating otherwise.

He added that Pakatan was bound by the policies that were discussed during a Jan 8 meeting and that the council was not related to it.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, Opposition Leader Da­­tuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang were at the meeting that arrived at the decision.

But the council said on Monday that non-Muslims should be prevented from using the word “Allah” in translations of their religious texts.

Azmin was adamant that Paka­tan’s stance on the issue had not changed and that the council’s “afterthought” did not hold water with the Opposition pact.

Meanwhile, sacked Selangor PAS chief Datuk Dr Hasan Ali also chided Azmin on his remarks, saying the PKR deputy leader had failed to understand the sentiments of PAS members and supporters on matters concerning Islam.