The dispute over the use of the word 'Islam' in PAS' name has escalated with Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria saying that the party and its spiritual leader are like a ‘cornered dog that bites even those who try to save it’.

He said the advice and views given by other Muslims, especially the ulama, on various issues including politics, should be listened to and not challenged or rejected.

NONE “The situation of PAS is like a cornered dog. Even if we help them, Nik (Abdul) Aziz (Nik Mat) will bite. We gave advice to help, but he has challenged us,” he said in a Berita Harian report today.

Responding to Nik Aziz’s remark that mufti should not interfere in party politics, Harussani (left) argued that his action to review PAS' name does not amount to this.

“We are only advising based on what has happened, not interfering with political affairs... Everything involves politics, we are just stating the edicts,” he added.

“If he does not want to listen, that is his business, he will bear the responsibility, but I shall perform my responsibility.”

The controversy was raised by Malay rights group Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali, who urged the National Fatwa Council to discuss the suitability of PAS using the word 'Islam' in its name.

Harussani, a member of the council, expressed support for the proposal.

PAS pointed out that the Conference of Rulers had decided in 2001 that political parties can use the word Islam in their name.

In a related development, Nation Fatwa Council chairperson Abd Shukor Hussin told Berita Harian that, in his personal view, the issue should not be discussed by the council.