As cracks emerge over Selangor MB crisis, PAS zips members’ lips

(Malay Mail Online) – PAS forbid its members today from speaking publicly on the Selangor mentri besar issue as diverging opinions show a rift within its ranks.

Secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali observed the difference of opinions on how the matter should be handled went against the Islamist party’s ethics of dissension and had harmed its reputation, PAS-owned paper Harakah Daily reported.

“We must return to ethics of dissension or difference of opinions which should be geared towards and managed in accordance with rules of conduct within our congregation,” he was quoted as saying.

Mustafa urged PAS members to use internal channels to voice their opinions, keeping the matter strictly within the party.

He added that the party leadership would meet on August 10 to decide its stand on the mentri besar controversy.

PKR’s decision to replace Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim as Selangor mentri besar with its party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has drawn opposition with its Islamist ally within the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition that rules Malaysia’s richest state.

Their decision to oust the Port Klang assemblyman is ostensibly due to Khalid’s controversial handling of state matters, notably the seizure of Malay-language bibles and his perceived support for several proposed highways criss-crossing the state.

Some Selangor DAP leaders have backed PKR but the move is facing resistance from top PAS leaders, including president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and its party’s spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat who both have publicly voiced their support for Khalid to remain as mentri besar.

Political observers said the mentri besar dispute could push Selangor into a leadership crisis and possibly force the state to hold early elections.