In a shocking move, a press conference held by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to explain the spat started by PAS ended in five minutes.

Journalists attending the event were left dumbfounded on arrival, when they found that the event was over. Some had rushed to Komtar from other assignments.

A written statement signed by PAS state commissioner Salleh Man to address the issue was only two paragraphs long.

penang pas announce candidate 100413 07 salleh man Salleh (left) instead diverted the issue to the alleged “manipulation” by a New Straits Times ’ report, which said that “DAP intervened in Penang’s Islamic affairs”.

“I, as the state commissioner of PAS, strongly reject the allegations,” he read from his statement in Lim's presence.

“The statement issued by state PAS deputy commissioner Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff did not mention at all about any political parties.

“Therefore, the NST report today is more of a media manipulation to destroy the good relationship between the component parties in Pakatan."

Lim echoed the views, saying that “both PAS and PKR will work it out”.

Lim said the NST ’s page 8 report published today was “very dangerous as it is a malicious lie”.

NONE Yesterday, Muhammad Fauzi (in green shirt) had said the party’s representatives may resign from their government posts if their demand for more autonomy to appoint candidates for posts in state agencies or government-linked companies is not complied with.

Fauzi also said PAS may review its position in the state Pakatan Rakyat coalition if it is no longer needed or if its demands are not met.

Lim said both PAS and PKR have met and agreed to discuss the matter internally, and both support the need to do so behind closed doors.

“If there are any conflicts between the two parties, this is normal,” he said.

“As a democratic party, we provide space to express different views but since this space was manipulated by the media in a malicious manner, it is better that things are discussed internally."

"The most important thing is that we are in Pakatan and we are strong and this is a commitment by the three parties."

He refused to take any questions. Instead, he held hands with other leaders present, for a photo.

Accompanying him were Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon, state exco members Chow Kon Yeow, Abdul Malik Kassim, Dr Afif Bahardin, and PAS candidate for Penaga Roshidi Hussein.