Without mincing words, PAS deputy president Mohamed Sabu said the party will reject the menteri besar post even if the Selangor sultan decides that a PAS assemblyperson should helm the state.

" Kita tolaklah (We will reject the post)," he stressed.

However, at the same press conference, PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali said PAS would agree with any decision made by the ruler.

"We leave that to the sultan. Whatever decision he makes, we will comply with it," he told reporters.

However, Mustafa refused to state if PAS would reject the post should the sultan consent to a PAS menteri besar, claiming that he did not want to "pre-empt" the ruler.

"That is just an assumption. I think everyone knows," he said vaguely.

"We just suggested a name, that is not an issue. I think the sultan understands," he added without elaborating.

Mustafa was referring to the PAS Syura Council nominating Selangor PAS chief Iskandar Samad among the three names submitted to the palace.

The list did not include the names of PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail or her deputy Azmin Ali, but the names of two other PKR reps Yaakob Sapari and Idris Ahmad.

Prior to that, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's office sent a list containing three names, which were all PAS state reps.

Previously, at the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council meeting on Aug 17, PKR, DAP and PAS agreed to nominate Wan Azizah alone.

During the PAS central committee meeting held earlier on the same day, the party agreed on nominating Wan Azizah and Azmin.

Unclear if Hadi attended meeting

As for Hadi openly questioning Wan Azizah's capability in assuming the post, Mustafa argued that his president's criticism would not be an issue if the ruler appointed her.

Both Mohamad Sabu and Mustafa were addressing the media after a protracted central committee meeting which stretched for over five hours.

Earlier, Mustafa said the central committee decided not to demand the menteri besar post, an issue which has strained ties between the Islamic party and its Pakatan allies.

Meanwhile, it was unclear if Hadi was at the central committee meeting today.

However, Mustafa "believes" that Hadi agreed with the central committee's decision that PAS would not demand the post.

"He is with us on this, we believe, Insyallah (God willing).

"This is the latest decision we have made," he added.

PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub stressed that PAS is consistent and would not claim the menteri besar post from PKR.

Defending his president, he said Hadi was only respecting the sultan who wanted more than two names.

"We stressed at the meeting that we will not accept the post," he added.