Pakatan state govts under fire at PAS muktamar

Pakatan state govts under fire at PAS muktamar

By IAN MCINTYRE

IPOH: The Pakatan Rakyat governments came under heavy fire from delegates attending the assemblies of PAS' three wings a day before the main muktamar (gathering).

Delegates, especially those from the Dewan Pemuda or youth wing, slammed the state governments of Selangor and Penang for sidelining the role of PAS and Islam.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and Pakatan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim were singled out for criticism.

Delegates were also critical of any sort of cooperation with Umno whom they described as a weak party.

DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh also came under attack for what delegates claimed were anti-Islam statements.

Kelantan delegate Zamakhari Mohamed said he found the comments on religion in Lim's blog offensive and insensitive.

They also rapped the Bar Council's attempt to discuss Islamic issues in its recent forum.

The 54th muktamar in Ipoh was meant to celebrate PAS' electoral success but the proceedings of the three wings showed all was not well and they were not in the mood to celebrate.

The youth wing was the most aggressive whereas the Dewan Muslimat or women's wing held its debate behind closed doors.

The conservative Dewan Ulama defended its decision to allow the party to hold talks with Umno and proposed president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang for Prime Minister.

This was a slap in the face for Anwar whom the Pakatan Rakyat regards as the Prime Minister-in-waiting.

The ulama also want Penang, Perak, Kedah and Selangor to adopt Kelantan's policies of banning alcohol and gambling to be implemented.

The majority of those who spoke at the Youth assembly expressed concern that the Pakatan Rakyat administrations had neglected the party's Islamic agenda.

Another Youth delegate from Terengganu referred to non-Muslims as "orang asing".

One delegate grew so emotional, he thumped the rostrum with both hands.

The critical mood at the Youth assembly was reminiscent of the ultra-Malay debate at the Umno Youth assembly three years ago. The only thing missing was the keris.

Central committee member Mujaheed Rawa who attended as an observer said that for a moment he thought he was at an Umno Youth meeting.

A Federal Territory delegate claimed some PAS MPs had accepted gifts such as cars after the general election.

"I work in the corporate sector. Recently I was given a clock worth RM1,000. But my conscience made me return it. Our YBs should do the same," he said.

The Youth permanent chairman Mohd Misbahul Muher was not spared and was criticised for not answering his handphone since becoming political secretary to the Perak Mentri Besar

kzso - we'll wait for the muktamar proper to get clearer picture of pas standing.....