PAS is planning to form a club for Malaysian students in the United Kingdom and Ireland to provide them with a greater scope for political participation, said its secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa today.

The decision was made during a10-day working visit there by a party delegation helmed by acting president Abdul Hadi Awang. The delegation returned to Kuala Lumpur last night.

"We have received feedback from Malaysian students and the community in the UK that there is a need to set up a club as part of democracy," said Nasharuddin, who was part of the delegation.

The PAS leader added that the club will be registered with the Malaysian Students Department (MSD).

"We already have students who are ready to run the club," he said when contacted.

No choice

Nasharuddin said the establishment of the London-based club will allow the Malaysian community, particularly students, an opportunity to participate in a political party of their choice.

It is estimated that 17,000 Malaysian students of various races are currently pursuing their education there.

"So far, they have no choice but to join the Kelab Umno (and the clubs of other Barisan Nasional component parties) if they want to get involved in democracy practices or politics," he said.

Asked if he foresaw the government taking action against students who join the club, Nasharuddin said this should not happen as the club will be registered with the MSD.

"Furthermore, if it is not wrong for students to be actively involved in Kelab Umno, why would it be wrong to join Kelab PAS?"

"There should not be any double standards in the process of democracy. Let's the students decide their involvement," he added.