KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 – The influence and power of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang should not be taken lightly by fellow Pakatan Rakyat parties said Utusan Malaysia, via its collective editorial column, Awang Selamat, today.
Targeting DAP, PKR and even the pro-Anwarinas (Pakatan Rakyat de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) supporters in PAS, Awang said the recent statement by the Islamic party president who criticised DAP over its failed proposal to bring up the local council elections in Penang is yet another slap towards the party.
“Benefiting only the urban Chinese, Hadi also dared to suggest and remind them of the possibility that a bloody May 13 incident whom we know and identify who was behind it could repeat itself. “The reminder was a direct stab into DAP’s heart,” said Awang. Claiming that Hadi’s statement had left DAP leaders to react in an uncertain fashion, Awang said that the reaction from DAP leaders, including DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke remains unconvincing.
“Their (DAP) reasoning for the local elections which is to restore the rights of taxpayers and the people supposedly in the name of democracy is nothing but deception. “I wonder why DAP is so angry at the moment. If they can insult PAS’ intention to implement hudud in Kelantan, why can’t the party’s intention to implement local council elections be questioned by PAS?,” asked Awang.
Stating that the Federal Court in August, last year had decided that the Penang state government has no jurisdiction to hold local council elections based on Section 15 of the Local Government Act 1976 which abolishes the right of state government to hold local council election in the state, Awang said that Hadi’s statement had received support within his party despite the silence of DAP-supporting members.
“The party’s grassroots was thrilled with the courage of their president and that PAS’ dignity is somehow redeemed. “Anyhow hats off to Hadi. This comes as the the notion that PAS under his leadership meant that he can be easily bullied by fellow PR parties, is once again proven to be untrue. This is just the beginning of 2015. Please do not mess around with Hadi,” added Awang.
