Central PAS delegates at the 58th PAS Muktamar today took a more assertive stance than their counterparts in the ulama and youth wings to back Pakatan Rakyat, even calling for leaders who have gone rogue due to opposition to the political union to be purged from the party.

“PAS has continued to be strong even though it has come under attack from inside and outside, from friends and foe, and former members or leaders.

pas posters in kota bharu 240208 “We must take strong action and not keep these thorns in the flesh until they become pus, it will become dangerous for the party,” said Perak PAS representative Razman Zakaria during the debate on the party president’s policy speech.

Earlier, Zakaria hailed the PAS supporters wing which comprise of non-Muslims, stating that multi-racialism was the key to political survival in contrast to race-based parties that were narrow.

The confidence towards Pakatan Rakyat was even expressed by the central body’s ulamas, including Salahuddin Nasir, who represented Selangor PAS.

“PAS members must give undivided loyalty to the leaders, we don’t want members who are in PAS but pledge loyalty to those ouside of PAS. For such people, please get out,” he said.

He went on to praise DAP Youth chief Anthony Loke for defending PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat against MCA’s attacks.

He later read out in Mandarin: “I hope the moon is with your heart” in reference to PAS’ flag.

These assertions were made in the absence of former PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa at the muktamar today.

The ousted senior leader, who remains as a member of the Syura council, along with sacked former Selangor PAS commissioner Hasan Ali, had accused the party of becoming “lost” due to its cooperation with Pakatan Rakyat.

NONE Before the debates, PAS deputy spiritual leader Haron Din ( right ) had conceded that some members had made statements in contravention of decisions made in the syura council meetings that provided ammunition for their opponents.

“These people had never raised their issue during the syura council meeting - where we deal with everything in the proper manner - but they do so in the media.

“Sometimes this individual views when brought out of the meeting, without realising it, is exploited by others to blow them out of proportion,” he said, without naming anyone when queried by a delegate who asked why decisions in the syura council were not being obeyed.

Members urged not to jump the gun

Taking the podium during the debates later, Perlis PAS representative Yaakob Abu Seman urged members not to jump the gun in making statements to the media and should instead emulate PAS’ handling of the freedom of religion controversy surrounding PKR's Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

NONE “... For example, in the case of Nurul Izzah, the party took a stance not to comment until there was an explanation, that is the best way to handle such an issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Terengganu PAS representative Azman Ibrahim, too, criticised members for arbitrarily making media statements on hudud law.

“When it concerns faith or syariah, how can one argue based on logic and common sense.

“Some say hudud is not yet suitable to be executed, some say there needs to be understanding from the rakyat first, others say that this hudud polemics is healthy.

“If we are incapable of referring to authoritative sources then it is best to just keep quiet,” he said.

He stressed that PAS should not compromise its principle in its quest to capture Putrajaya.

The debates will recommence tomorrow before concluding on Sunday.

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