From the speeches made at the Umno general assembly today, it is obvious that the ruling party is very much wary of the threat posed by the opposition PAS.

Many of the speakers dedicated part of their motion of thanks to the presidential address on taking jibes at PAS leaders and their policies.

They also pledged their commitment to reverse PAS influence among the Malay community and promised to do their utmost to win back the seats lost to the opposition party in the 1999 general election.

Ungrateful Muslims

Umno Youth chief Hishamudin Hussein claimed PAS was the reason for Malay disunity and said that their narrow-mindedness had impeded progress among the race.

He even equated the party and its followers to the Iraqis who rejoiced with the American soldiers when Baghdad fell, saying that these were ungrateful Muslims who supported the superpower's oppression of Islamic countries.

Melaka Chief Minister Ali Rustam also used his speech to criticise PAS' hardline interpretation on Islam, alleging that "it has been teaching perverse Islamic teaching since its establishment".

He said PAS leaders was obsessed with sex when they issued the edict that the handshake between men and women is haram (unlawful).

"How can they say it is haram for a woman to shake hands with men. The act only becomes haram if it arouses one's sexual desire."

"I don't know about PAS leaders but we don't get arouse just by shaking hands with women. Is sex the only thing in their mind?" he asked, drawing laughter from the delegates.

Zero opposition

Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Isa Abdul Samad said PAS leaders can never keep up with the leadership qualities of Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad whom he said was always ready to admit mistakes.

"Our leader is very humble. If he made mistakes, he would readily admit them ... not like (PAS spiritual leader) Nik Aziz (Nik Mat). Nik Aziz never admits his mistake. Is this a true Muslim leader?" he thundered.

Kelantan Umno information chief Mustapha Mohamed said PAS policies in Kelantan have resulted in little economic development in the east-coast state.

"PAS has ruled Kelantan for 13 years but there is very little progress. There is no university and there are no job opportunities for the locals who have to seek employment in other states," he said.

Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman said Umno Sabah would continue to work towards "zero opposition" in the state and would not stop fighting off the lies that PAS has been circulating to sway the Malay community in the state.

"We will not allow PAS to regress the Malays and ruin the success that Umno has achieved," he vowed.