Kelantan Menteri Besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's statement yesterday that he was ready to contest in the coming elections and would continue serving the people until he dies came under heavy criticism from a top Umno leader today.

Umno vice-president Najib Tun Razak said the statement showed that Nik Aziz was "greedy for power" for wanting to contest as long as he lives.

"As a matter of fact, he said that what the Kelantan Menteri Besar said was exactly what PAS leaders had been accusing Umno leaders of doing", Bernama quoted Najib as saying today.

"Clearly by saying that he would contest as long as he lives, Nik Aziz cares more for his power and position than anyone else in PAS," Najib said.

Nik Aziz, who is also PAS Spiritual Adviser, was reported to have said: "God willing, I will continue to contest till the day I die". His remarks were carried in the Star newspaper today.

PAS' tradition

Launching a PAS ulama gathering in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan yesterday, Nik Aziz stated earlier that he would contest in the next general election in line with PAS' tradition of fielding both ulamas and professionals in every election.

"If possible, I want people with religious knowledge to be in charge of all and any field as they will better understand the responsibility entrusted to them.

"They will not get entangled in corruption, or misuse power and government property, being aware that they are servants of God", he added.

Najib, who is also Defence Minister, also remarked that it was wrong for Nik Aziz to insinuate that he was indispensable because no o­ne is indispensable..