PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub has clarified that although PAS and PKR have different solutions to the controversial Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Pengerang, Johor, the principle they hold is the same.

"PAS has never rejected development as long as it considers the interest, future and income sources of the people.

NONE "From the perspective of principle, PAS and PKR are not against each other. Whether the project will be retained or relocated to other places, the issue is still flexible.

"But we definitely don't agree to taking over the lands of nearly 10 villages. The basis is, don't take people's lands. Development can be carried out anywhere in the country, as long as it benefits the people and not burden them," Salahuddin told Sinar Harian in an interview.

He elaborated that the only difference between the two Pakatan Rakyat component parties is the approach to the issue, particularly the location of the mega project.

"We share the common understanding on sustainable development and our common basis is 'don't acquire the lands'. We may have different views in other things, which it is a norm in any political party when it evaluates any project with an impact on the people's future."

'We want to know who decided on acquisition'

The Kubang Kerian MP stressed that it would not be a problem for Petronas to construct an oil and gas hub in the country, just like its other projects in Bintulu, Kerteh and Paka, but this should not be at the expense of the local people's livelihood.

azlan Salahuddin noted that Petronas has never, in its history, developed industries in traditional villages, even in Paka and Kerteh.

"If that is Petronas' track record, we want to know who made the decision to acquire nearly 10 villages. That is the issue," he said, adding that according to the United Nations' best practice for the oil and gas industry, the acquisition of traditional lands and villages should not take place.

On his candidacy in the next general election, Salahuddin, who has decided to contest in Johor in the next general election and is tipped to be the menteri besar if Pakatan takes over the southern state, said he could contest either a parliamentary seat or a state seat, or both, in Johor.

However, the PAS leader, who was born in Tanjung Piai, Johor, and helmed the Johor PAS Youth from 1989 to 1999, dismissed speculation that he would be the menteri besar of Pakatan took the state, saying that the focus was to capture the BN stronghold.