PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli today urged Pakatan Rakyat leaders not to be sidetracked by the Hudud controversy cropping up again.

"This differences of opinion had existed since the days of Barisan Alternatif in 1999.

"I believe priority must be given to people's welfare first," he said in a statement.

He also said that PKR is waiting for a copy of the Hudud enactment that is to be tabled by the Kelantan state government in a special state assembly sitting on Dec 29.

As such, he urged party members not to make any statements on the matter until the enactment has been studied and the Pakatan presidential council meets to make a decision on the matter.

"I advise the PKR leadership to not say anything that will worsen the situation.

"Any statements about this situation must be referred to a decision in the Pakatan leadership council," he added.

Rafizi said that issues concerning the cost of living as well as racial and religious disharmony needed more immediate attention.

DAP has been critical of PAS' sudden call for a special sitting, once again pitting the two parties against each other.