The government's exclusion of politicians from the proposed National Ulama Council is "illogical", Kelantan Mentri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said today.

Nik, who is also opposition party PAS spiritual advisor, said it was impossible for an ulama (Muslim scholar) to be apolitical.

" Ulama are heirs of the Prophet Muhammad, who was the first politician. He administered a country, and took care of both domestic and international affairs.

So, how can an ulama not be involved in politics? I can't accept that,'' said Nik Aziz.

According to him, there needs to be a differentiation between playing partisan politics and being political.

"And in this regard, it is true that not all ulama are members of political parties. But, I stress that it is impossible for an ulama to disassociate himself from politics. However, our (PAS) aspiration is about Islamic politics, which continuously strives towards obtaining the blessing of Allah upon the land,'' he said.

No split

Nik Aziz also denied that there is a difference in opinion between him and PAS president Fadzil Noor, over the ulama council issue. It was widely reported that Fadhil had vehemently objected to the idea, while Nik Aziz had "supported" it.

"I wish to clarify that my acceptance is conditional (that ulama of all political affiliations must be invited), while he (Fadzil) also has his terms and conditions.

All that talk about a split between us is just a means to drive us against one another, said the menteri besar.

Nik Aziz also questioned the role of the National Fatwa Council (NFC) in the light of the latest proposal.

"So, what is the role of the NFC now? Will it be duplicated by the ulama council, or does it clash with it? If there is a clash, then one of them must go. And what will the mufti (head clerics) do in the event that the NFC is dissolved?''

Nik Aziz also questioned the "potency" of the ulama council.

"How much power does it have? Will its decisions be binding upon the government? If not, I don't see what's the point behind it all.''