PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang told former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to keep out of matters involving the Islamic party.

"It is not his right (to say such things)," Hadi said in response to Mahathir's remark that PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat should step down.

"The party can decide on our own leaders and we still consider him (Nik Aziz) as the leader who will (make decisions for) the party," Hadi told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

"He is still the head of the consultative council and (I believe) that he can complete the task to his best ability."

mahathir displeasure Mahathir had urged Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan menteri besar, to retire as he is doing more harm than good for PAS.

"He's been PAS leader for too long. He has overstayed his post and when you do that, you tend to get a bit senile... like me," Mahathir had said.

This was in the context of Nik Aziz's suggestion in a blog-posting to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to obtain consensus from the grassroots on issues that haunt the party.

One of these is to determine the status of leaders described as "problematic". Those cited in the blog entry were vice-president Nasharuddin Mat Isa, secretary-general Mustafa Ali and Selangor commissioner Hasan Ali.

'Difference of opinion'

Asked whether Nik Aziz should resign, Hadi said: "There is no need. We have democracy in PAS and all parties are free to express their views.

"There have been differences in the party before and we were able to solve the problem amicably. We practise collective leadership and he is still the head of the syura (consultative council)."

hadi awang interview 040208 objective He reiterated that the current dispute in PAS is not a "crisis of leadership but simply a difference in opinion".

Asked if Nik Aziz will attend the special central committee meeting tomorrow night, Hadi ( right ) said this will depend on his health and schedule.

The meeting is to decide whether an EGM should be held.

Hadi denied that Nik Aziz is still peeved over the proposed ‘unity government' talks with Umno, dismissing this as an old matter.

"There are no offers from Umno... BN is organising its household... the problems in MCA are not solved and the problems in MIC are not solved either. (So) how are we to merge with them?" asked Hadi.

Further probed if an union between Umno and PAS is likely to be forged, Hadi only said: "The future is in the knowledge of God."