PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said "fools" in the party who can't resolve matters concerning differences in opinion should just leave the party.

"There are those with advanced way of thinking. There are also the moderates. Then there are those who perpetuate cruelty on themselves.

"We are very strict on policy matters. If there is a difference (in opinion), we will meet and resolve it.

"If they can't accept this and (want to) part ways (from PAS), they are tolol (fools)... and (should) leave PAS," said Abdul Hadi.

Abdul Hadi was responding to a question from the floor on how the party should have differences in opinion and how to resolve these.

The PAS president said differences of opinion were normal in any organisation and were difficult to prevent.

However, he added, this could be resolved through an Islamic approach although  there could be no compromise if policy matters were involved.

Qusting a verse from the Al Quran, Hadi said any problems should be resolved by using the Al Quran, the sunnah (the practices of Prophet Muhammad) and the  ijtihad (findings of religious scholars).

Hadi also recalled the crisis faced by the party in the 1970's when Kelantan PAS had problems with who would occupy the Kelantan menteri besar's post resulting in PAS leaving BN.

“Those who opposed or supported us then still remain in PAS,” said the PAS president.

'Party still needs me'

He was speaking at a public dialogue organised by PAS organ Harakah in Kuala Lumpur today.

On whether Abdul Hadi would be defending his position during the upcoming PAS leadership election, he replied in the positive.

"The party members need me," said Abdul Hadi in a curt reply.

Abdul Hadi has led PAS for 13 years. Under his helm, the party formed one-term state governments in Terengganu (1999), Kedah (2008) and Perak (2008).