PAS members warned against forming another Islamic party

PAS deputy president, Mohamad Sabu said differences in views and opinions was normal in any organisation.

"Criticise, reprimand, but don't waste the party (PAS) and Pakatan Rakyat's (PR) efforts to change Malaysia," he said when opening the 55th PAS Youth Muktamar, here, yesterday.

The warning was given following rumours that the recently formed Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (PasMa) would become a new Islamic party if some PAS leaders quit PR.

In a news conference after that, however, he said forming a non-governmental organisation (NGO) was allowed.

Meanwhile, some 50 PAS Youth members wearing black vests bearing the words 'Kami Bersama Presiden Dan Majlis Syura' (We are with the President and Syura Council) exited the Muktamar hall as soon as Mohamad Sabu was about to deliver his speech.

The 4.45pm incident was seen as a protest against Mohamad Sabu, also known as Mat Sabu, who is not on the same page as PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and the PAS ulama over the Selangor Menteri Besar crisis.

The delegates who emptied their seats were believed to be those from Pahang, Terengganu and Selangor.

Mat Sabu, when commenting on the matter, denied the incident and said the group had left the hall to perform their prayers or to go the toilet.

"I didn't see people leave, maybe they went to pray or go to the toilet and then they came back in," he said.