The 'Colonel Mat' theory propounded by PAS spiritual advisor Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is a figment of his own imagination, said Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

As such, he urged the Kelantan menteri besar not to involve military personnel or the Defence Ministry in his (Nik Aziz'z) political games.

NONE "This 'Colonel Mat' thing is a figment of Nik Aziz's imagination. To my knowledge, the Colonel I think he is referring to has died," he told reporters in Langkawi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno vice president, said the action by the Kelantan menteri besar in claiming one "Colonel Mat" was out to topple him also showed Nik Aziz was "afraid of his own shadows".

The minister said this in commenting on claims by Nik Aziz that this colonel was conspiring to topple the PAS government in Kelantan.

On the menteri besar calling on Muslims to pray for the "demise" of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak if the federal government did not give oil royalty to Kelantan, Ahmad Zahid said this was wrong.

"By making such a prayer, he is actually inviting retribution for himself," he said.

Muhyiddin: This is against Islam

Also lambasting the PAS leader over the 'demise' prayer was Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin

NONE Muhyiddin said he found it difficult to understand how aperson said to be a religious expert could voice such a thing, more so against a leader of the same faith and race.

"I cannot advise him because he is more knowledgeable than me (concerning Islam). But such a stand should not have been made by a person who is said to be a religious figure.

"Maybe he (Nik Aziz) is more a politician and is trying to use religion for political ends ...peddling religion for political interests. This is something I cannot fathom," he said.

NONE According to the deputy prime minister, the attitude of Nik Aziz,, did not reflect that of a religious person who erstwhile had been held in high esteem for his piety.

"All my life I have never heard of people praying for the destruction of others, especially people of one's own faith and race.

"I think this is against the teachings of Islam, I do not know what the punishment is. Maybe religious experts do," he said, adding that it was typical of PAS leaders to manipulate religion in their political interest.

- Bernama