Aziz Bari in 'hot seat' at PAS seminar

Outspoken political analyst Abdul Aziz Bari has been put on the hot seat by PAS members at the 'Strengthening the Party' seminar today for his stinging criticisms of the Islamic party.

Abdul Aziz was among three independent speakers invited to the seminar to present their views on the party, which is facing internal squabbles as it pursues its ambition of winning power at the national level.

During the question-and-answer session at PAS 'markaz' in Taman Melewar, Kuala Lumpur, the majority of the questions from the floor focused on Abdul Aziz's recent remarks to the media.

According to a delegate, whose name was not immediately known, the Universiti Islam Antarabangsa professor had given a rather 'mild' speech at the seminar compared to his acerbic criticisms of party president Abdul Hadi Awang in the media.

"He (Abdul Aziz) has attacked the party president in Malaysiakini and (Malay daily) Sinar Harian . But today, he appeared rather meek. Does this mean he has retracted what he had said earlier?” asked the party member.

Yesterday, in an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini , Abdul Aziz described Abdul Hadi as the PAS version of former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his inconsistency and lacklustre policies.

He also said that the PAS leader "has ran out of steam" despite that Abdul Hadi was once a highly credible leader in the 1980s.

Kelantan Youth chief Rosli Alimin today demanded for Abdul Bari to back his claims with evidence that the PAS president was still pursuing a 'unity government' with Umno.

"You have given an image that our president is pursuing this matter. If it is true, then show us the proof so that we could take action on it," said Rosli.

'We can’t stand seeing your face'

Meanwhile, Federal Territory Youth chief Kamaruzzaman Mohamad accused Abdul Aziz on "relying on rumours created by PAS members themselves".

"Now tell us, who revealed that information to you? The president had clarified that unity government did not mean joining Umno. 'Umno' is such a damning word for us.

"Even if it's true, we want you to reveal your sources. Otherwise, it would be fitnah (lie) and you should retract whatever you said about us," he said, ending with a shout of 'Allahuakbar' .

Abdul Aziz also did not escaped a sharp attack from PAS central committee member Abu Bakar Chik who accused him of being a 'western agent' for endorsing a two-party system.

"Everyone knows we don't want (to join) Umno, but you are clearly being a western agent for pressing us to practise the two-party system.

"You should answer us honestly... and it seems like we can’t stand seeing your face here, but (we are doing this) just for today," he said.

However, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad backed Abdul Aziz, who had earlier said that there were certain leaders in PAS who "do not practise what they preach".

"Don't get angry if there is a fitnah about the unity government issue as it involves cooperating with Umno. But they should realise why the fitnah surfaced in the first place," said Khalid.

Abdul Aziz stands his ground

Facing the onslaught, Abdul Aziz nevertheless stood his ground, arguing that there was no need for him to retract his remarks on the party leadership as there is 'some truth' in his statements.

"(My argument) is not from my own perception. I see there is truth in the matter and there is no need for me to retract what I said.

"I have friends in Umno Youth and I could accept their views of me. If he can 'whack' me, I can 'whack' him back," he said.

Abdul Aziz also brushed aside suggestions that he had become an 'Umno agent' for his widely-publicised attack on the party leadership.

"I have lost many friends, now that Umno hates me and PAS hates me too. I'm not an Umno agent. If I were to become one, I would want to be a CIA agent - at least, I could earn a lot of money," he quipped.

Abdul Aziz also responded to some party members who have sought his advice on how to fix the party’s political dilemma.

"You don’t need a recipe for this medicine from me as it is better for you to seek for the solution yourselves," he said.