Lesser Pas leaders told to hold their tongue

KUALA LUMPUR: Following some strong words traded between Pas youth leaders and the DAP, a couple of Pas commissioners now urge lower-ranking party men to be more circumspect when making statements on sensitive topics such as hudud.

Pas Selangor commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman said public statements should only be made after consultation with the central leadership to ensure their statement does not end being manipulated by the media.

When contacted Dr Abdul Rani said: “Leaders should be wary and watch what they say especially about hudud (part of the Syariah criminal code) to avoid misrepresenting the party’s views. It will only give reasons for Umno and their media to attack us."

“Let the party’s leadership handle this matter because they know best,” he added.

The Bukit Payung state assemblyman however contended that the DAP should also not take up the hudud issue and turn it into a public squabble as well.

Dr Abdul Rani was commenting on The Mole's news report  when Pas Terengganu Youth chief Mohd Nor Hamzah labeled DAP chairman Karpal Singh as a liability to Pakatan Rakyat and should step down as he is old and no longer capable of attracting young voters.

Mohd Nor’s remarks against Karpal were made following the veteran politician’s strong resistance on hudud and his harsh statement against Pas Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan Tantawi over the same issue.

The following day Mohd Nor’s statements were picked up and pursued by the New Straits Times and reported Mohd Nor criticising Karpal’s media outburst against the implementation of hudud, saying it had strained the relationship between Pakatan parties.

On Monday Utusan Malaysia reported Pas grass root leaders such as Pas’ former Pulau Pinang Youth chief Mohamed Hafiz Mohamed Nordin together with Mohd Nor had demanded that Pas quit Pakatan due to Karpal’s remarks against their leaders.

Dr Abdul Rani said even if these youth leaders meant to defend Nasrudin, it should be done with tact.

When asked whether Pas would leave Pakatan as suggested by their youth leaders, Dr Abdul Rani said: “No. When Pas agreed to work with DAP and PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) it means we are focusing on bigger things such as good governance for the country.”

“Hudud is no longer the priority. It does not mean we drop the agenda altogether but Pas is looking forward to work within Pakatan’s consensus.”

Pas Melaka commissioner Adly Zahari shared the views that hudud should not be discussed publicly.

“The media will only sensationalise and manipulate our statements rather than educate the public about hudud. Pas leaders should be careful when discussing about this.”

He added party members should not view any Pakatan leaders as a liability because it will only create rifts in the coalition.

Source: MOLE