Tok Guru Nik Aziz still dreaming

PAS ready to accept Ibrahim

KOTA BARU: PAS is now willing to accept the tough-talking Independent Pasir Mas MP Datuk Paduka Ibrahim Ali into its fold, provided the latter joins of his own accord and champions Islam.
Party spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said Ibrahim’s entry into the Islamist party can be considered, as he had contested in the last general election using the PAS symbol on the ballot paper.
He is now considered a strategic ally and Nik Abdul Aziz does not see any reason why the party cannot admit the brash-speaking Ibrahim but he must join of his own accord, with no incentives provided.
“Then this can be seen by the people as a genuine move and not one which can be interpreted as self-interest,” said the Kelantan Mentri Besar.
If Ibrahim, 58, does join the Islamist party, it would be the fourth time he has switched political parties since the former university student leader entered active politics in the mid-1970s.
PAS will also only support PKR’s move to entice Barisan Nasional MPs to hop across to the Opposition if the defectors accept its Islamist struggle and the “Pakatan” alliance’s principles, Nik Abdul Aziz said.
Otherwise, it would be difficult to accept Barisan defectors as it becomes apparent that they are only joining for positions of power or monetary gain, he added.
“Ideally, we want Malay party hoppers from Umno to join PAS, or the majority of Umno members to join us, as we are the only one championing Islam,” he said after chairing the weekly state exco meeting.
It is a difficult scenario to comprehend as on one hand, it is unethical to hop for money or position but on the other hand, it also shows democracy at work, Nik Abdul Aziz said.
As an example, he cited when “Semangat 46” was dismantled, its members had the choice of PAS or Umno in Kelantan and many joined the latter as it was their democratic right.
In a democracy, it is difficult to prevent politicians from joining another party or from forming a new one, and these had happened before. After the 2004 general election, three PAS leaders had reported that they were offered millions to defect but they decided to remain loyal to the party.
In that election, PAS barely hung on to Kelantan as they only secured 23 state seats, while Umno won 21 for the Barisan.
In a related development, state Umno Information head Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad said the current tough political scenario is where Umno would be able to identify “genuine” friends from “artificial” ones.
“As the saying goes, a friend would not abandon another friend in need or during difficult times. We hope every Barisan coalition member is indeed a genuine friend to Umno,” Md Alwi said when contacted.

tunku : pas is the only party championing Islam ? tok guru nik aziz too old already, can't see what's happening around him, maybe in kelantan but not in kedah,perak and selangor. i can't see pas championing Islam in those states.even when there's decision against Islam,pas just keep quiet as they can't go against dap and pkr.