Nik Aziz slams unity gov’t backers as Umno stooges
Cracks within PAS appeared to be widening after spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat launched a visceral attack against those seeking closer ties with Umno.
And on his firing line were the newly re-elected party president Abdul Hadi Awang and newly appointed party secretary-general Mustafa Ali, both of whom are from Terengganu.
Nik Aziz, who is technically the most powerful person in PAS, said those who supported Abdul Hadi’s suggestion to form a unity government with Umno, were “boneka Umno” (Umno stooges).
“We can’t ignore the decision of the PAS annual general assembly in Ipoh last year… The decision was to strengthen Pakatan Rakyat.
“Those who support the unity (government) are Umno stooges, clearly and obviously,” said Nik Aziz in Kota Bharu today, according to Bernama.
To a question on Abdul Hadi’s insistence on having a unity government, Nik Aziz said it did not represent the wishes of the party.
“The president is the head of the organisation, but the organisation did not make (such as) decision (to have a unity government). That is his personal opinion,” said Nik Aziz.
Asked on Mustafa’s call for all party and Pakatan leaders to stop issuing statements on the matter, Nik Aziz said there was no reason why the party members cannot discuss the issue.
“The question is, why stop us from talking? The conflict of ideas did not come from PAS, but from certain people within PAS who are in danger… so he (Mustafa) asks people to stop talking. But how can humans stop talking?” asked Nik Aziz.
Hadi’s conditions for unity talks
On Tuesday, Mustafa urged PAS and Pakatan leaders to stop issuing “confusing” statements on the purported unity talks with Umno.
He said it was important to stop harping on the issue to prevent “negative impressions” regarding the party.
Since March 2008 last year, PAS leaders such as Abdul Hadi and his deputy Nasharuddin Mat Isa has been floating the idea of forging closer ties with Umno.
The idea was panned by most delegates during the recently concluded 55th PAS Muktamar (general assembly) in Shah Alam, but Abdul Hadi was still adamant about the idea during his winding up speech.
Abdul Hadi also claimed that he had the support of top Pakatan Rakyat leaders, who later distanced themselves from the former’s remarks.
And today, Abdul Hadi sought to cool frayed nerves suggesting that such talks can only take place if the BN-ruled federal government free the judiciary and the media and respect the doctrine of separation of powers.
Until such assurances can be given, Abdul Hadi said all talks about the unity dialogues will remain mere “academic discussions”.
