In a bold and surprising move, a senior PAS assemblyperson from Kelantan yesterday called on the “old and sick” Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat to make way for young ulama to lead the Islamic party.

NONE Gaal assemblyperson Dr Nik Mazian Mohamed ( left ) told the state assembly that PAS leaders should not “pass the baton” only when they are “exhausted at the roadside”, referring to the party's spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Aziz.

“What we worry is that Tok Guru (Nik Aziz) is already old and sick. Just like us who are old with illness, we will die, and who will succeed us? Who will continue the struggle of our leadership? Who?

“We must have new leadership, young, vigorous and healthy,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia .

The three-term lawmaker said he is prepared to step down in the next general election to allow young leaders to contest.

Last week, former Selangor PAS commissioner Hasan Ali urged Nik Aziz to relinquish his position in the party for defending the party's cooperation with DAP within Pakatan Rakyat.

The statement was supported by pro-Umno groups and several PAS leaders, including former PAS vice-president Nakhaie Ahmad, who demanded Nik Aziz abdicate his position as the head of the syura council, the party's highest decision-making body, so that his deputy Haron Din can take over.