A brief demonstration was held by a group of PAS members in the compound of the Islamic Tarbiyaah Centre in Pengkalan Chepa, where the Islamic party's 56th muktamar is taking place, to protest the federal government's refusal to pay oil royalty to Kelantan.

NONE Some 300 people led by Kelantan PAS youth chief Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman gathered to voice their displeasure, sporting banners carrying the message, "We want royalty".

Also present was Kelantan state executive council member Husam Musa, who gave a brief speech to cheers and cries of Allah-hu-Akbar (God is Great) from those assembled.

The demonstration ended with those gathered praying for divine intervention to help the people solve their woes.

NONE "We pray that Allah will topple the BN-led federal government if it continues to oppress and deny the rights of the Kelantan people," Abdul Latiff said.

The issue was also touched upon by party president Abdul Hadi Awang while delivering his policy speech earlier in the morning.

"This disrespects the spirit of federalism... all of it done by twisting and manipulating the Petroleum Act and the agreement signed between the state government and Petronas," he said.

Israeli, US flags stepped on

Meanwhile, at the main entrance to the venue where the muktamar is being held and at several other high traffic locations, tarpaulins printed with the American and Israeli flags were laid on the ground to be stepped on by passers-by.

NONE The words tanda sokongan (show your support) were printed on one tarpaulin, hinting that passers-by should step on the flags to show their displeasure with both countries over the brutal actions of the Israelis.

Husam joined the fray later, stepping on the American flag after the oil royalty demonstration.

Oil royalty dispute to court on Aug 30