Guan Eng should just sack us, says PAS man

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The Selangor chapter of the Dewan Ulama PAS has challenged Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to sack PAS members holding government positions in the state.

"If DAP really doesn't want to see PAS in the Penang government, it is easier, faster and more professional if Lim sacks all PAS members who were appointed by the government," Selangor PAS Dewan Ulama secretary Muhammad Najhan Halim said.

In a press statement issued last night, Muhammad Najhan said Lim's demand that PAS members to quit their posts was wrong because the Penang government was formed as a coalition.

"Don't behave like Umno and BN, which cannot differentiate between government and party politics.

"Has the DAP forgotten its claim to uphold democracy?" Muhammad Najhan said.

Over the weekend, the highest decision making body of the Islamic party - its muktamar or general assembly - passed a resolution calling on the party's syura council and central committee to cut ties with DAP.

In view of this, Lim said it would be politically untenable for PAS to remain in the Penang government which he leads, as he is also the DAP secretary-general.

'Give PAS the freedom'

PAS members hold slightly over 1,000 positions in the Penang government councils and its agencies.

This includes positions in government-linked companies (GLCs), seats in the city and municipal councils and in the village development and security committees (JKKK).

Penang PAS head Mohd Salleh Man ( photo ) is currently the Penang State Religious Council (MAIPP) chairperson, Zakat Pulau Pinang chairperson and board member in the Penang Islamic Foundation and the Penang Halal Hub.

Thus far, two former top PAS leaders, Mohamad Sabu and Mujahid Yusof Rawa, have announced their intention to relinquish their respective government positions in Penang, out of respect for the muktamar decision.

Muhammad Najhan also called on PAS members to wait for the syura council and new central committee to study and "fine tune" the decision made at the muktamar.

He said PAS was still with Pakatan and it ought to be business as usual in Selangor in order to fulfil the mandate given by voters.

PAS should be given the freedom to chart its own path, Muhammad Najhan said, adding, "No one should lead PAS by the nose to follow the path charted by others, especially DAP."



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