Syura Council's 'Israel' limbo

KUALA LUMPUR: Pas' powerful Syura Council which took a strong stance against Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's 'protecting the state of Israel' statement appears to be heading towards a collision within the party and Pakatan Rakyat.

Council chief Datuk Harun Taib and his deputy Datuk Mahfodz Mohamad who vehemently rejected and opposed Anwar’s 'Israel friendly' statements are standing together to face this latest assault on the council.

Both leaders told The Mole that Anwar's statement was totally unacceptable under any circumstances as it not only recognised the state of Israel but also pledged protection for the Zionist regime.

The Syura Council, they said, would wait for Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's instructions before calling for a meeting to decide on the next course of action.

“I don't agree and reject Anwar's statement in the Wall Street Journal. An official decision has not been made yet on our next course of action towards Anwar’s following his explanation to Nik Aziz, but the matter will be discussed.’’

“I personally do not agree with Anwar’s stand on Israel, and it has been clearly stated by our spiritual leader (Nik Aziz) that the party does not recognise the Zionist regime and does not support a two-state Israeli-Palestinian solution," Harun said.

Mahfodz also voiced his personal objection to Anwar's stand on Israel and the Opposition leader's reluctance to withdraw his WSJ statement, but he said the Syura Council would await Nik Aziz's instructions.

“If he feels the need to have a meeting to discuss Anwar’s statement then all of us in the Majlis Syura will follow suit," he added.

Prior to this, Mahfodz told The Mole a meeting between Nik Aziz who is Kelantan Menteri Besar and Anwar will have no implication as the council still demands Anwar’s public statement on his support Israel stand.

Mahfodz had said, “if Anwar does not issue a public statement the council will have another meeting to decide on the next course of action about this matter.’’

Mahfodz who is Johor Pas commissioner also said the council had the final say on the matter regardless the outcome of the meeting.

In MalaysiansMustKnowTheTruth, Anwar explained that his stand on Israel was consistent with that of the Palestinian political factions Hamas and Fatah.  

Anwar in a news report stated Nik Aziz accepted his explanation, however, the Kelantan MB issued a strongly worded statement rejecting any recognition of Israel and proclaimed that it was haram to have any links with the Zionist regime.

Nik Aziz had earlier urged Anwar to retract his statement as reported in the WSJ but Anwar brushed it aside.

In another news report on Jan 22, the Permatang Pauh MP Anwar said Nik Aziz was only offering “polite” and friendly advice when he suggested Anwar to retract his statement.

Source: MOLE