ReformIS

[ Contents | Post ]

Nik Aziz tells DAP leaders not to gripe

From:
Date: 03 Dec 1999
Time: 03:23:04

Comments

Nik Aziz tells DAP leaders not to gripe

PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat warned DAP leaders yesterday to stop expressing their unhappiness over PAS' aim of setting up an Islamic state.

The Kelantan Mentri Besar said PAS did not force the DAP to forge an alliance.

"If it co-operates voluntarily, and later blames us, it is like a silat (martial arts) exponent who blames his defeat on the unevenness of the ground," he said.

Speaking to newsmen, he said PAS wanted to continue working with the DAP if it would correct its stand.

On the Barisan Nasional's defeat in Kelantan and Terengganu, Nik Aziz said the Malays were no longer sure of what Umno's struggle was.

He blamed Umno leaders for their behaviour, saying they were unacceptable to the people.

Nik Aziz cited the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issue and the criticism against ulamaks (Islamic theologians) for Barisan's defeat.

In Petaling Jaya, the Malaysian Democractic Party criticised Barisan Alternatif for misleading voters during the election campaign by saying that PAS had no plans to set up an Islamic state.

MDP secretary-general Wee Choo Keong said DAP leaders were among those who said PAS had no such ambition.

"Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh must now bear full reponsibility for their pact with PAS," he said.

Wee was commenting on a statement by Terengganu Mentri Besar Abdul Hadi Awang that the PAS-led administration would ban liquor, gambling and entertainment centres.

Wee also said Lim was now trying very hard to regain his political integrity by condemning PAS' religious programmes.

Wee said even if the DAP pulled out of the pact now, it would not absolve Lim and Karpal Singh.

The former MP for Bukit Bintang urged the two to quit their party posts as a matter of accountability.

"Malaysians are waiting to see whether they will put this into practice or come up with excuses to blame voters for rejecting their selfish political agenda," he said.

Wee also said Malaysians must be glad Penang voters saw through Lim and Karpal Singh and rejected their style of politics.

In the 1995 elections, he said, Lim had pushed DAP to pull out of Gagasan Rakyat on the grounds that Parti Melayu Semangat 46 was associated with PAS, whose aim to set up an Islamic state was unacceptable to non-Muslims.

"Early this year, Lim conveniently forgot about it and was instrumental in forming Barisan Alternatif and thereafter Karpal Singh publicly apologised to PAS for his 'Islamic state over my dead body' remark."

Wee also said MDP had been vindicated for its uncompromising stand against the Alternative Front.

"MDP stood by its principles although its leaders knew it might be wiped out in the elections," he said.

Last changed: December 03, 1999