Mat Sabu denies Shia links

PAS deputy president Mat Sabu has labelled Putrajaya’s allegations that he is a Shia follower, as a slanderous accusation.

However, Mat Sabu admitted that he admires the leadership of the late Shiite leader Ayatollah Ruhullah Musawi Khomeini and Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah.

"I deny the accusations that I practice Shia. However, for the claims that I admire Khomeini, I say thank you.

"I'm really impressed with the leadership of Khomeini because he is a leader who makes Muslims independent. I am also impressed with Hassan Nasrallah," he said in a press statement.

Mat Sabu also said he has spoken to his lawyer about possible legal action to be taken against Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Radzi and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding the matter.

According to media reports, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Radzi revealed the “evidence” allegedly proving Mohamad’s Shia links to the press on Thursday.

Among others, Abdul Rahim said Mohamad had once recited the “Selawat” (praises to the Prophet Muhammad) using the Shia followers’ version, The Star Online reported.

During his winding-up speech at the Umno General Assembly 2013, Dr Ahmad Zahid told the Malaysia Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) to take immediate action against a "PAS No. 2 leader", allegedly for being a Shia follower.