Show proof on Shiites in party, PAS dares ministry

PAS' newly-elected central committee member Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz has challenged the Home Ministry to provide evidence that its party leaders are practicing Shiism.

Nik Abduh (right), who is also Pasir Mas MP, said based on the party’s observation not one of PAS’ leaders are involved in Shiism.

"The party had also denied this. This is merely speculation by outsiders who hear rumours, and also by Umno.

"If the Home Ministry has evidence, prove it. Do not play politics in this matter," the PAS MP was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian yesterday.

"PAS questions the Home Ministry’s evidence. We will take action when we see and study the evidence.

"I have already said that if the evidence comes from Umno, we would not believe it," he said.

To questions that the Home Ministry is giving powers to the Islamic Advancement Department (Jakim) to take action on PAS leaders who practice Shiism, Nik Abduh said the government can take action and PAS had no authority to prevent it.  

"We have our own decision and the government have their own powers to do what they want. As long as the PAS leaders are clean, we will defend them," he said.

Newly-elected PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat (left) said the Shiism issue is an international political issue played up by Umno and PAS is being made a victim of circumstances.

“If Umno has proof, show it, we are not afraid,” he said.

On Sunday in his winding-up speech, Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Home Minister, was reported to have asked Jakim to take action on the PAS number two whom he claimed to be practising Shiism.

Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid was also reported to have said he has evidence against the PAS number two.

Meanwhile, Sinar also reported PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu as saying he was not afraid at the home minister’s revelation.

“I am already 59, and if I have to spend the remainder of my life to go up and down to the courts, I am prepared to also face imprisonment,” he said, adding he has instructed his lawyer to take further action.