Ahmad Lutfi Othman insists that he is still the editor-in-chief of PAS organ Harakah , and said that he had never been sacked or suspended from the job.

He nevertheless added that he did not want to worsen the situation in relation to the requests for his resignation.

“When this issue materialised, I met with Harakah managing director Rosli Yaakob to discuss the matter,” he told Malaysiakini .

However, Ahmad Lutfi confirmed that his fate - whether he will still be asked to resign, or otherwise - will not be discussed in Harakah ’s board of directors meeting in mid-February.

Malaysiakini had reported that the move for Lutfi to resign was linked to his brother Dinsman (Shamsuddin Othman), also a famous writer, who had written articles allegedly criticising the PAS ulama leadership.

According to a source, Ahmad Lutfi was informed of the move last week, and the decision was made during a  Harakah  board of directors meeting in December.

“For health reasons, he was advised to resign and was offered an invalidity pension, therefore he will be paid half his monthly wage by the Social Security Organisation (Socso),” said the source.

'Invalidity pension not applicable'

Ahmad Lutfi, however, clarified that the invalidity pension was not applicable to him, as the doctor who is treating him said that he has a chance to recover from his illness.

The invalidity pension is only given to individuals with a permanent disability.

“Rosli told me that if I do not meet the criteria for the invalidity pension, I will continue to work. Harakah has given me the assurance that they will prioritise my welfare,” said Ahmad Lutfi ( right ).

When asked whether the issue was related to articles written by his brother, Ahmad Lutfi said he was not in the know, as the articles had been published when he was not on duty.

Ahmad Lutfi also stressed that he will not leave PAS and the paper, and claimed that he was still enthusiastic to contribute for the party - although he noted that any future work will depend on the state of his health.

“I understand if my health does not permit me (to continue working),” he added.