Pas spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik is willing to debate on Islamic issues, but only with someone with position and has the proper authority.

The Kelantan Menteri Besar said Islam does not prohibit its followers from debating religious issues to seek the truth as long as the Quran and hadith were made the "middleman".

"I am prepared to have the debate with anyone as long as the persons concerned have the proper authority and with position," he told reporters after launching the Al-At’am scheme at Dataran Pasir Pekan near Tumpat today.

He said this in response to a challenge made by the chairman of the Kelantan Umno Veterans Council's religious bureau, Prof Mohd Noor Deris to debate on religious issues with Nik Abdul Aziz.

Following a positive response from Nik Abdul Aziz, Mohd Nor, in a statement yesterday, suggested that the debate be between him and the Kelantan Menteri Besar only and to be held in a public place.

Meanwhile in Bachok, Kelantan Umno deputy liaison chairman Senator Awang Adek Hussin welcomed the proposed debate between Nik Abdul Aziz and Mohd Nor.

He said Kelantan Umno would support any initiative to hold such a debate, including with the National Religious Council, to resolve the confusion on religious matters raised by the menteri besar.

- Bernama