Former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib is considering leaving PAS, if the party no longer cares about its non-Muslim support base.

He told a forum that the present leadership has neglected the approach of the late Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who was loved and respected by everyone regardless of religion and race.

"We want religious people such as Allahyarham Nik Aziz ( photo ) as leaders.

"Everyone loves him. The Buddhists love him, Hindus love him [...] Now I see it is no longer like that.

"Before this, I was very interested (to be) in PAS. Now, not so much," he said at a forum titled 'Looking for the New Malaysian Leader' in Petaling Jaya today.

Muhammad, expressing his disappointment, revealed this as the reason behind former Umno stalwart Thamrin Ghafar's departure last year.

He also mentioned he might be following Thamrin's footsteps if things do not change in the party polls next month.

"My friend Thamrin has left earlier. He said PAS is ridiculous ( mengarut ). I'm still waiting to see the outcome of the party election in June," he added.

'Putrajaya, real world issues are important'

Muhammad also took a jab at the ulama faction in the Islamist party which supports incumbent president Abdul Hadi Awang, who is not known for supporting Pakatan to work together to defeat the ruling coalition.

 

“If you think of joining PAS only to get Allah’s blessing and Putrajaya is not important, I think there is something wrong with you,” he said without referring to any specific names.

 

Muhammad ( photo ) said PAS also lacks young people who can be promoted as national leaders.

 

He said although there are more “good and religious young men” who joined PAS, they do not have the calibre for national leadership.

He said the group which could lead prayers and religious rituals fail at understanding real world issues such as 1MDB, goods and services tax, and international relations.

 

“They don’t even understand why Turkey would want to send warships to help the Rohingyas.

 

“If you want to be a leader who only read the Quran and Hadith, I don’t think you are fit to become a prime minister,” he said

 

Pakatan 'best choice' to replace BN

Afterwards Muhammad claimed he is disappointment with Pakatan’s row as they should be the best choice to replace Umno and Barisan Nasional.

 

He said by not sticking together, Pakatan risked losing the opportunity to replace Umno and Barisan Nasional.

 

“I'm disappointed at issues being raised (in Pakatan). PAS, PKR, and DAP should have extremely good rapport among themselves after winning 53 percent of votes in the last general election.

 

“It is good to have a two-party system - Pakatan and Barisan. Whichever party performs well should lead the country.

"Don’t force the one who is not good to lead the country,” he added.