PAS No 2: We're dynamic, not conservative

Incumbent deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa hit out at the mainstream media for describing yesterday's party elections as a victory for the

ulama (religious scholars), who are labelled as conservatives.

This, he said, is an erroneous analysis as PAS would not have reached such a high level in national politics if the party was really conservative.

“We have tackled the current challenges of blending together the ulama with others in the party, including the non-Muslims.

"Where can you find a non-Muslim, a Chinese-speaking member (of PAS Supporters Club), airing his views in a muktamar?” he asked to the shouts of Allahu Akbar from delegates.

“We are not conservative but a dynamic political party, which have grown politically.

PAS has also come up with many ijtihad (the process of scholarly consensus). We would not be at this level in the past 10 years if we are labelled conservative,” said the three-term deputy president.

Earlier PAS supporters club deputy president Vincent Lee spoke for seven minutes where he also touched on the group’s apprehension over possible cooperation with Umno.

Nasharuddin also maintained that PAS will continue to establish ties with other parties, not only locally but internationally, to expand its influence.

At the same time, he assured the party would not deviate from its path.

“Whatever the differences (the party has), the party would not deviate from its original party struggle where Islam will be the main thrust for PAS.”

Nasharuddin also called on the winners and losers in this year's election to close ranks.

He reminded that it is not individuals who are important in the party but whatever decisions must be based on the muktamar.

“I pledge that I would continue to seek guidance from the syurah council (religious council) as well as the party leaders, the delegates and leaders from the various wing,” he said.

Husam asks Haron to clarify remarks

Kelantan senior exco member Husam Musa, who lost to Nasharuddin for the deputy presidency post, has pledged that he would continue to serve the party despite the loss.

“I accept the decision of the delegates. What is important is party unity. I will be with PAS win or lose despite being an ordinary member now,” he said.

Husam also asked deputy spiritual leader Dr Haron Din to explain the remarks he made in a working paper which the religious scholar had presented during a PAS ulama conference where he warned the party over possible threats within the party.

"Please explain what you have said as this has created uneasiness among party members,” he said.

Haron had warned on the possibility of traitors within the party and had asked members to be aware of it.

Husam said he strongly opposes any cooperation with BN and Umno. He also wants party members to adopt the openness of the Kelantan people in accepting anyone to be candidates.

“PAS national leaders have managed to contest and won including in Bachok (Nasharuddin), Kubang Kerian (Salahuddin Ayub) and Kuala Krai (Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli).

"I hope the openness would be reflected when candidates from Kelantan come to contest in other states,” he said.

Meanwhile, replying to Husam, Haron denied making statements regarding ‘traitors’ in the party.

“I checked what I had presented and there was no mention of traitors within the party. What I warned is that there are always enemies and this is a reminder to PAS leaders to be wary,” he said.

“This is totally untrue and I would like to apologise to Husam for any misunderstanding as what was said is in general terms,” he said in the winding-up debate.

Haron's reply was consistent with what he had told Malaysiakini when he said the reminder was made generally with the intention to strengthen the party.

Mat Sabu: I shall remain in PAS

Mohammad Sabu, who also lost in the deputy presidency contest, also jokingly vouched he would continue to serve the party despite losing.

“Two of my former leaders - Anwar Ibrahim, who went to join Umno and my teacher, Nakhaie Ahmad (former PAS vice-president), who later joined Umno.

"However, I will remain active in the party as usual despite having to go to three courts (remarking on his ongoing illegal assembly trial).”

He pointed out that the past year had seen the BN interfering in the legislature and the judiciary, referring to Karpal Singh being "ambushed" by Umno people, V Sivakumar's removal as speaker.

“This is bad and a violation of the constitution. If this happened in other countries, there would be nationwide protests. We must never forget this,” he said.

Ahmad Awang: No ties with Umno

Another outgoing vice-president, Ahmad Awang, who is PAS Perak commissioner, in his winding-up speech disclosed that PAS members had inquired from him whether the party was willing to work with Umno.

“I told the members we would not be with Umno as we have pledge our support to DAP and PKR. We cannot review our decision now to be with Umno,” he said to shouts of takbir.

He added the party should refrain from labelling its members as professionals and ulama.

“We should stop this to ensure party unity. There should not be any question of too many candidates contesting in this party election as the nominations come from the divisions,” he remarked.

“PAS is one package where all, be it professionals and ulama, are within the same party fighting for the Islamic cause,” he said.

Ahmad had declined nominations to defend his vice-presidency and is expected to retire from politics.