A top PAS ulama leader has warned the Islamic party to keep its eyes open for “traitors”, including those who are sponsored by Umno or United States, and may one day take over the PAS leadership.

dr haron din pas In his warning, the party’s deputy spiritual adviser, Dr Haron Din, said that the party’s “enemies” will have the ability to promote some leaders through favourable media coverage especially in the upcoming PAS muktamar (annual general meeting) early next month.

Although it is unclear who are the “traitors” Haron was referring to, his statement is widely seen as a move to thwart the influence of the pro-Pakatan or Erdogan faction in the party.

Erdogan refers to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is known to be a moderate Islamic leader.

“The winning factor in a party election would be constant media coverage such as (party organ) Harakah and political weekly newspaper ( Siasah ) or other media.

“Thus, the enemies would have a huge opportunity to promote these sponsored individuals (in the media) so that they could win in the election,” said Haron at a closed-door one-day seminar for spiritual leadership in Gombak today.

Haron added that open membership as practised by PAS would only be an advantage to Umno and PAS’ enemies as any member is allowed to contest for top positions in the party.

“So this (method) could affect the PAS election,” he said.

Haron further suggested a mechanism be set up so that there is a “shield” to protect the party from the enemies.

“Until now, we don’t have a specific mechanism (for) protection,” said Haron, who recently pulled out from contesting the vice-presidency post.

Many have described the upcoming PAS election as a battle between the pro-Pakatan Rakyat faction and pro-muqabalah faction (conservatives made up of ulama ) who support having closer ties with Umno.

Haron's remarks are made at a time when some PAS leaders are demanding that the top two posts in the party should continue to remain the hands of the party's powerful ulama (religous scholars).

Mahfuz keeping mum, many 'uncomfortable'

Haron’s speech also looks set to spark more intense ties between the two factions as many participants at today’s event were said to be “uncomfortable” with his remarks.

“It appeared that he (Haron) was criticising the pro-Pakatan faction,” said the source, who asked to remain anonymous.

mahfuz omar 01 Meanwhile, PAS information chief, Mahfuz Omar, who was also nominated for a vice-president post, refused to comment on the matter despite his presence at the seminar.

“I did not really pay attention so I would not want to comment (on it),” he said.

The seminar today was held in conjunction with 25 years of the party's ulama leadership. However, it sparked controversy as it was held close to the June 5-7 PAS muktamar in Shah Alam, where the party will have its election.

harun taib 270804 However, other speakers including ulama wing’s future chief Harun Taib, who is seen as pro-muqabalah did not use the seminar as an opportunity to criticise the Erdogan faction.

Other participants also refused to comment on the controversial remark by Haron.

Some PAS leaders had also claimed that today’s programme would be used by pro-muqabalah leaders and Umno to promote their candidates who will face a tough fight against the Erdogan group, which prefers to strengthen Pakatan rather than forge closer ties with Umno.