Without naming any names, PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has condemned certain "nationalists" as even bigger fakers and liars than Shiite followers.

ahmad zahid warn malaysiakini 041013 In a prickly statement, Nik Aziz threw jabs possibly aimed at Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( right ), who this week alleged that Shiite beliefs have infiltrated the Islamic party.

The Umno vice president had caused a stir yesterday when he also claimed to have proof that the No. 2 leader in PAS was a Shiite Muslim and therefore "a very good faker". Shiites are considered heretics in Malaysia.

"I am not saying Shiite is not dangerous, but I am puzzled how a Mr Tiger can pretend to remind sheep to stay away from wolves.

"While I welcome a tiger turning good... but at the very least it should clean its bloody claws first," Nik Aziz said.

Nik Aziz said that only true Islam can unite the people and not cries of nationalism or secularism, adding that even prophet Mohammad SAW himself did not cry out for Arab unity as hard as some parties calling out recently for Malay unity.

But even this was utterly fake, Nik Aziz said, in a veiled criticism of Umno president Najib Abdul Razak's reminder at its 67th general assembly that the Malay community owed it all to Umno, the chief protector of its interests.

"Kelantan is the proof. This Malay state has been denied development mainly because of the political antics of Mr Tiger who only pretends to care."

Nik Aziz warned that persecuting Shiites was not the way to defend Islam. The people already know that it was an attack aimed at the opposition party that is getting popular and not a religious war, he said.

"If the aim is to flush Shiite out of Malaysia - quickly act without so much unnecessary back and forth talk. But the question is, how can they arrest anyone when within the party itself, there are those who are heretics."

NONE Meanwhile, in a follow up to Zahid's accusations , Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom ( right ) said the agencies under his ministry were prepared to probe the PAS leader allegedly practising Shiite teachings.

Jamil said the Islamic Advancement Department (Jakim) will need to obtain and scrutinise evidence before initiating investigations and taking legal action according to Syariah laws.

"Jakim will meet with the Home Ministry to get the information. We need evidence first before charge is to be preferred. After discussing we will issue a statement," he promised.

"In matters pertaining to Syiah, it involves all, not only a certain party," he stressed to reporters after officiating the National Tithe month celebration at PWTC today.