PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar said former deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa should have the courage to face the syura council, the party's highest authority, if he has a different view on the relationship between PAS and DAP in Pakatan Rakyat.

"If he has a different view from the syura council, he needs to be brave enough to debate with the other council members.

"The question is whether he is afraid to debate with them. Does he lack knowledge to face (other members) in the meeting," the Pokok Sena MP teased when contacted today.

NONE Mahfuz (right) was responding to Nasharuddin's statement, which was reported by TV3 and Utusan Malaysia, that PAS should withdraw from Pakatan Rakyat over DAP's rejection of hudud.

His statement was clearly against the decision of the party to form a partnership with the secular party, which is also a resolution backed by the party's muktamar.

Mahfuz commented that the party's central committee and syura council are open and prepared to listen to all its members, although cooperation with Pakatan had been decided.

"Why he as a member of the syura council suddenly cannot speak up in the meeting? Because he did not attend the meeting."

Asked whether Nasharuddin should leave the party, Mahfuz replied, "It is up to him whether to accept PAS' principle or whatever he has decided. He needs to inform (the party about his decision)".

He was confident that Nasharuddin's statement would not have any impact on the party's grassroots.

Mahfuz also threw back the question to Nasharuddin if he was brave enough to urge Umno to leave BN, since MCA has also rejected hudud.

Meanwhile PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali, when asked about the issue, declined comment as he was still monitoring it.

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