Fresh trouble appears to be brewing in Pakatan Rakyat, this time in Penang after PAS central committee member Nasrudin Hassan blasted the DAP-led state government for “victimising” the Islamic party’s local councillor.

Nasrudin took offence at the suspension of state PAS treasurer Iszuree Ibrahim as a councillor of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) for what he said was merely “constructive criticism” against the state government.

“Unfortunately the Penang government’s reaction has been drastic. Iszuree was ‘beheaded’ simply for his constructive criticism.

“It is as if there was a grudge that has waited its time for payback. In the end, Iszuree had to pay the price which was no small amount,” he said in a Facebook posting today.

Nasrudin’s salvo comes a day after the resolution to the Selangor crisis which had seen intense friction between PAS and its ally PKR over the successor to the state’s menteri besar position.

Iszuree, at the 60th PAS muktamar last week, had slammed the Penang government for allegedly implementing BN’s pro-developer policies at the expense of ordinary villagers who he said were “slaughtered” when taken to court by developers.

Nasrudin accused DAP of taking a page out of Singapore’s PAP government by silencing critics.

“It appears DAP’s recent actions is like copying the style and approach of PAP in Singapore which immediately reacts against critics with its powers, which among others includes pressuring and suing them.

“I take it as an attempt to frighten and intimidate any quarters who wants to make criticism,” he said.

‘Is DAP hiding something?’

This, Nasrudin said, went against the good example of Caliph Umar Abdul Aziz’s rule which was often espoused by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s administration.

“Is the DAP government in Penang trying to hide something from the public?

“I am confident the issue raised by Iszuree about housing, villages and Muslim lands in Penang has clear basis and facts,” he said.

More “tragic”, Nasrudin said, was the fact that Iszuree was suspended without any show-cause letter or being given the opportunity to explain himself.

Nasrudin, who is seen to be aligned to the cleric faction, also appeared to take a veiled shot at his party rivals namely PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu and Penang PAS commissioner Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

“I understand (Iszuree’s) speech text was vetted by Penang PAS deputy commissioner Mujahid ( right ), therefore Penang PAS shuld take responsibility by defending Iszuree who has been wronged (dizalimi) by DAP,” he said.

He added that Mohamad, as Penang PAS commissioner, should also intervene in this matter.

This is not the first time Nasrudin has launched a broadside against the Penang government.

In August, Nasrudin had accused the state government of giving out the undersea tunnel project linking the Penang island with the mainland, prompting Lim to file a lawsuit against him.

PAS man insists Penang is pro-developer

Meanwhile, Penang PAS secretary Fadhil Kemi stressed that what was raised by Iszuree was factual.

“The statement (made by Iszuree) at the muktamar is true. The facts and reports are based on a memorandum that was endorsed by Penang PAS.”

Fadhil added that Lim had snubbed the party on Wednesday over the controversy and the chief minister’s political secretary merely instructed Iszuree to deny his remarks which were reported by Malaysiakini .

“Among the clear evidence that the state government is seen to be pro-developer is when government land owned by the MPPP was opened up to developers for development, namely in Kampung Selut,” he said.

Fadhil said the village is almost 99 percent resided by Malay Muslims and would be lost if developed.

He also accused Lim, who heads the Pakatan state council, of failing to hold any meeting for “years” to discuss issues concerning the administration, party and people’s concerns.

“The meeting, even in its early stages, had no room for discussion and was more towards issuing directives or statements,” he said.

He accused DAP of being uncomfortable with the voices of PAS councillors who were not in tune with those of DAP.

Meanwhile, Lim’s political secretary Wong Hon Wai denied Fadhil’s allegation that the Chief Minister’s Office had instructed Iszuree to disclaim his statement as reported in Malaysiakini.

Wong said Iszuree, in explaining himself, had claimed to be misquoted and he therefore suggested the councillor call a press conference to clarify the matter.

He also denied Fadhil’s charge that Lim had not held any Pakatan Rakyat state council meeting for “years”.

“It is not right to say years, It is only recently (that meetings were not held),” he said.

He added that Pakatan leaders attended exco meetings every week and lower-rung members may not be aware of the latest developments.