In the bid to reassure the grassroots, both PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat have vouched that the party would not stray from Islamic principles as alleged by a top party leader.

Their assurance comes on the heels of former Selangor PAS commissioner Hasan Ali's allegations that the party, with its adoption of the welfare state platform, had deviated from its original Islamic cause.

It appears that the top two PAS leaders are subtly distancing themselves from Hasan, who may have struck a raw cord within the party with his criticism, but whose action is seen as breaking ranks with the party leadership.

In comments made separately yesterday, both leaders ticked off the Selangor cabinet member in thinly-veiled remarks.

NONE Abdul Hadi (left) , in lamenting that "several former leaders" had questioned the party's direction, said PAS has the syura council, set up according to the party's constitution to preserve the sanctity of Islam.

The council, stressed Abdul Hadi, is well-versed in Islamic knowledge and since its inception has dealt with all matters, be it party policies relating to the government, opposition, NGOs, Muslim and non-Muslim issues accordingly.

"The latest developments, including our tie-up with Pakatan Rakyat, is a continuation of the Islamic practice. This is not a petty matter. PAS members should be reassured and confident in the PAS struggle. We will remain steadfast in sticking with the party's constitution," he said.

Although Abdul Hadi did not name the individuals involved, he warned that "anyone who tries to act as if they are smart, and without proper Islamic knowledge will certainly fail in their actions".

"They will become political preys to enemies of the Islamic struggle," he added. It is widely known that Hasan, a former government servant, is not a religious scholar.

  Avoid BN media for party problems

Meanwhile, Nik Aziz, who had earlier denied reports he was supporting Hasan, urged all members not to use the media owned by PAS enemies to air party problems.

Both Hasan and ally, former deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa, have given exclusive interviews to Umno-linked Berita Minggu and TV3 respectively.

pakatan ceramah shah alam 041211 nik aziz The PAS spiritual leader said party members should resolve their differences internally and not hand over ammunition to their rivals.

"I believe what is happening now is merely a small storm which is being played up by the mainstream media.

"What is certain following the storm will be rain which would cool things down, insya'allah ," said Nik Aziz (left) in response to the party political bureau meeting on Wednesday night.

The bureau had asked Hasan, along with Nasharuddin and Selangor information chief Shaari Sungib, to provide an explanation on the latest spat among key leaders.

"As Mursyidul Am (spiritual advisor), I can give my assurance that the syura council will continue to monitor the party and we will not rest on our laurels. We will protect the party from being violated," said Nik Aziz, who is still recuperating in the hospital after being warded on Monday.

He added that accusations that PAS' welfare state platform is a deviation from the party's cause are unfounded.

Nik Aziz explained that the welfare state concept allows non-Muslims to better understand PAS' struggles in uplifting Islam, adding that its administration of Kelantan for 21 years was a manifestation of the party's objectives.

Related stories

Ibrahim Ali invites Hasan to join Perkasa

Hasan may soon join the Zulkifli Nordin club