Amanah: PAS had a hand in Kelantan Datukship affair

(FMT) – Amanah is accusing PAS of having played a role in the Kelantan palace’s move to revoke the Datuk titles of two leaders from the splinter party.

They told The Star this was based on the contents of the letters sent to Amanah vice-president Husam Musa and Kelantan Amanah chief Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah by Kelantan State Secretary Mohd Faudzi Che Mamat.

In the letters dated Feb 6, Mohd Faudzi informed Husam and Wan Abdul Rahim that Sultan Muhammad V had “agreed” (bersetuju) to revoke the awards and titles.

The duo had the “Jiwa Mahkota Kelantan Yang Amat Mulia” award, which carries the Datuk title.

The report said Amanah leaders believed the word “agreed” could be construed as agreeing to a proposal made by another party.

“But we did not hear a word from the palace officials. We are still in shock because we have not issued any statement undermining the royal institution.

“We have, as you know, been highly critical of the state government,” The Star quoted Wan Abdul Rahim as saying.

He said although no explanation was provided, he and Husam had returned the titles and awards yesterday out of respect for the ruler.

“The state secretary informed us that Sultan Muhammad V had agreed to revoke the awards effective Feb 6. We returned the awards and related appointment letters to Istana Balai Besar today, Feb 7,” they said in a joint statement.

Amanah secretary-general Anuar Tahir was quoted as saying the party was baffled over the matter as their leaders in Kelantan had not said or done anything to offend the palace.

The Star quoted Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Abdullah as saying the state government did not have the final say in awarding or revoking titles.