Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today sought to capitalise on the apparent division in the opposition over the protest by Australian lawmakers against the sodomy trial of Pakatan Rakyat leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Muhyiddin said he respected Abdul Hadi Awang for the PAS president's criticism of the  interference by Australian MPs in the sodomy trial.

According to the deputy premier, Abdul Hadi had adopted the right stand because the issue involved national interest and the image of the country.

NONE "When it involves national interest, any leader, whether he is from the government or opposition, should adopt a common stand," he told reporters in Petaling Jaya.

In the matter of safeguarding the national image, the stand adopted by Abdul Hadi should be emulated by all other opposition leaders, he said.

Abdul Hadi said yesterday that PAS wanted the matter to be resolved according to the country's judicial system without any influence from foreign elements.

In Batu Pahat , Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said Abdul Hadi's statement indicated that PAS did not wish to be involved in any attempt to get foreigners to interfere in the case.

"Abdul Hadi's statement shows he understands how dangerous it can be for foreigners to become involved in domestic matters," he told reporters after launching a death benevolent scheme in the Batu Pahat parliamentary constituency at Sekolah Kebangsaan Parit Bilal.

- Bernama

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