A senior PAS leader today claimed the party’s late spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had left a message before his death asking that PAS foster a good relationship with arch-rival Umno.

Deputy Kelantan Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah made this declaration to some 3,000 supporters at a ceramah in Kota Baru last night, according to a Berita Harian report today.

“Today, I will reveal a secret and speak about the late (Nik Aziz’s) message because issues have been raised by PAS members that supposedly, PAS has fallen into Umno’s trap by agreeing to discuss on hudud.

“Why must this issue be raised when PAS already has a long-standing relationship with the federal government?

"In fact, throughout Nik Aziz’s ( left ) rule (as Kelantan menteri besar), this relationship already existed.

“Remember, Umno is key in the government so we do not need to question the good relationship between PAS and the federal government and instead, trust the PAS leadership because we only want the best for the people,” he was quoted as saying.

At a press conference later, Mohd Amar also welcomed PAS members who are supportive of Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (Pasma), a dissenters’ grouping in PAS, to quit the party.

He described Pasma members as “termites”, adding that they do not pose a threat to PAS as they are merely upset with the party or have been sidelined.