Former PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa says he is thankful the party has decided to drop him from contesting in the coming election as it would relieve him of one of his responsibilities.

Bachok MP Nasharudin, who has been sacked from the powerful syura council, said becoming a candidate is not a big agenda item for him as whatever is entrusted, one must perform the task well.

He was quoted in Utusan Malaysia as saying that he hoped the person selected to replace him will continue with the party agenda.

He was also quoted in other newspapers as describing his removal from the syura council as an attempt to get rid of him from the party.

NONE He also questioned the manner of his removal, saying no show-cause letters were issued against him, adding that he had not received any letter informing him about his expulsion from the council. Nasharudin believes the expulsion could have been related to his trip to Gaza while accompanying Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

In a related development, Sinar Harian reports that Umno has opened its doors to Nasharudin to join Umno, although there is a possibility that he may not do so.

Umno deputy permanent chairperson Mohamad Aziz said it is entirely up to Nasha to make the decision to join Umno.

Party supreme council member Syed Hamid Albar said it’s up to Nasha to decide on his political future.

“There is no need to invite him as the party is always open and democratic to anyone (to join),” said the one-time foreign minister.

PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali, meanwhile, denied that anyone else besides Nasha had been sacked from the syura council.

Responding to such rumours, Mustafa said there were no discussion to sack anyone else after Nasha.