PAS members who join the party-linked NGO Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (PasMa) will not be violating the party constitution, said PAS lawyer Zulhazmi Shariff.

He said according to Article 6 (6) of the PAS constitution, members are allowed to join and co-operate with any bodies, associations which are not in conflict with PAS and not against the law.

He was speaking at a forum organised by PasMa in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

It was reported that PAS Federal Territory and PAS Terengganu had warned its members against participating in PasMa activities as they would be labelled as traitors to the party cause.

An image of PAS members, including the party's election director Dr Hatta Ramli, is being spread in the social media describing them as traitors for forming PasMa when the party is scheduled to have its muktamar.

Zulhazmi said he is puzzled with such claims as PAS prior to this encouraged its members to work with other NGOs like Bersih that are fighting for democracy and people’s welfare.

"Is PasMa going against PAS?" he asked, adding that if PAS members are prohibited, then it would be difficult for them to hold discussions with other NGOs.

PAS central committee member Nasrudin Hassan had on Sunday claimed that PasMa is plotting to topple party president Abdul Hadi Awang.

However, PasMa president Phahrolrazi Mat Zawawi denied this.

Meanwhile, another PAS central committee member Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz said PAS could read the purpose of PasMa being formed based on the various forums it organised or meetings held.

"PAS central leadership did not issue any directive.

"Today, we find several states prohibiting members from joining PasMa. They see that PasMa's programme is to criticise the president," he added.

Nik Abduh also said that the muktamar might discuss actions to be taken against Phahrolrazi and other PAS members who joined PasMa.