Democracy is more important than who becomes PM, says Nik Aziz

comments     Mohd Irfan Isa     Published     Updated

It matters less to Kelantan who the prime minister is than whether democracy prevails in the country, said PAS spiritual advisor Nik Aziz Nik Mat.

"People should not be so obsessed with just one individual. For me, no matter who the PM is, let democracy be preserved, and let there be no oppression of those who do not support Barisan Nasional," said the menteri besar in Kelantan this morning.

"All states should receive the same treatment from the federal government, irrespective of whether they are BN or opposition-ruled. However, Kelantan is not fairly treated compared with other states."

According to Nik Aziz, the matter can easily be seen in the annual disbursement of federal capitation and road grants to the state, for which the money came late quite a number of times, way past the deadline stipulated in the constitution.

Capitation grant is based on the number of people in the state (per capita basis), while road grants are given to the state for it to maintain state roads.

"As such, irrespective of whether Mahathir continues as PM, I hope discrimination will not continue against Kelantan."

Following Mahathir's interrupted announcement on Saturday of his resignation from all party and government posts, the Umno supreme council today however announced that he is stepping down only in October 2003.

This is to allow a 15-month transition period before power is handed over to his heir apparent, Deputy Prime Minister and party deputy president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Mahathir's headaches

On Mahathir's seemingly "deep emotional burdens", Nik Aziz said the premier must rethink why he is grappling with so many issues and worries.

"It could be due to many factors, otherwise, how can his burden be so heavy until he had to cry last year, this year, and then wants to resign. Something that cannot be overcome must be bothering him."

Nik Aziz then suggested that Umno and BN's constantly changing stance could be a possible source of Mahathir's headaches.

"For example, they have been saying for decades that Malaysia cannot be an Islamic country because of its heterogenous makeup. Now all of a sudden, Malaysia, which is still heterogenous, can [be an Islamic state].

"And then, there is the Malay special rights issue. In the early 1990s, he said it has to be done away with. Then later, said that it has to be defended. And lately, there is a 10 percent quota (for the non-bumiputra studens in private colleges and universities).

"The reign of confusion and the constant shifting of position is a source of headache for Mahathir, and is a reason why the rakyat is losing faith in the current leadership."

Post-Fadzil PAS

To a question of how PAS will cope with the absence of its president Fadzil Noor who passed away on Sunday, Nik Aziz said that PAS does not revolve around an individual.

"People have said that without Asri Muda (who left PAS in 1982 under acrimonious circumstances), PAS will fade away. However, PAS has blossomed since then. God willing, as long as it flows according with Islam, then it should not run out of leaders."

Nik Aziz said he was an admirer of Fadzil, adding that the late president had managed to impart a lot of good things to the party, especially in demonstrating his leadership style.

"It was characterised by calmness and even-headedness. He had come up with some brilliant answers to tough questions which I, who is older than him, have never thought of. That was his edge."

On who will replace Fadzil, Nik Aziz said it should not be a problem as there are many qualified candidates in the party. Again, however, he stopped short of mentioning current acting president Abdul Hadi Awang.

The spiritual advisor also deftly parried off suggestions that Hadi, who has a reputation as a firebrand, will ruin PAS' endeavour to project itself as a moderate religious party should he assume the helm.

"God willing, the moderate approach will be preserved. Moderateness is the basis of Islam. If you have a sharp, hard tongue, people will flee from you. However, if you have a gentle and soft approach, people will be more accepting.

"I, no matter what pressure BN bears on us, am confident that because PAS champions Islam, and Islam is the truth, society will accept us. And more so, we are experienced in rising and falling through the years," said Nik Aziz.

'Learn to be menteri besar'

On PAS' confidence in retaining the Pendang parliamentary and Anak Bukit state seats vacated by Fadzil, Nik Aziz said that as long as the playing field "remains level", there should be no problems for PAS.

"Just don't use the FRU (Federal Reserve Unit), Internal Security Act, threats and other dirty tactics against the opposition," said Nik Aziz who claimed that the huge turnout at Fadzil's burial in Kedah is an indication of the support the party has.

"On that day, even I had to be rescued from the sea of humans and traffic by riding pillion on a motorcycle driven by a stranger. The crowd is a protest vote (against BN). Yes, we are confident in Kedah."

Surprisingly, Nik Aziz also revealed his own fears of abusing his position as spiritual advisor to further his tenure as Kelantan menteri besar.

"After three terms (since 1990), I'm now starting to panic. I fear the possibility that I may misuse my position (as spiritual advisor), and this is not the right way to continue becoming a menteri besar. On the other hand, if I'm not the spiritual advisor, then it is all right."

According to Nik Aziz, mursyidul am (the arabic term for spiritual advisor) means the trainer of the drivers, or senior driver.

"Given that, I cannot be training the same guys year in and year out as it only goes to show that I'm an incompetent teacher, or that my students are dullards.

"For that reason, I always tell my exco members that they all must learn to become a menteri besar."


MOHD IRFAN ISA is malaysiakini 's stringer on the east coast.



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