Anwar yet to retract statement

PAS to stick by Syura Council’s decision on PKR leader’s pro-israel stance

PETALING JAYA: PKR is on a collision course with PAS as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has yet to retract his pro-israel statement.

PAS leaders have left it to the Syura Council to decide on the party’s next course of action following the PKR de facto leader’s failure to retract his statement.

PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu said they would stick by the Syura Council’s decision.

“I do not have a personal view on this matter. We leave it to the council,’’ he reiterated.

He said this in response to Anwar’s silence to the Syura Council’s request to either retract his statement supporting Israeli security or take legal action against The Wall Street Journal if the paper had quoted him out of context.

Anwar had, in a statement, said he understood the different stance taken by PAS and PKR.

“PAS is firm on its stand that the establishment of Israel is illegal, and they have no intention to hold any negotiation or collaboration with Israel,” he said.

“However, PKR shares PAS’ hope to see the independence of Palestine, free and peaceful, which is also the hope of all Malaysians who love peace and justice,’’ he added.

Anwar insisted that he supported all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel,

We understand the temperature is rising following the Syura Council’s resolution last Sunday. However, the council did not give Anwar an ultimatum as he is not a party member. — SYED ABDUL KADIR

a step which he said remains contingent on Israel respecting the aspirations of Palestinians.

Syura Council officer Syed Abdul Kadir hoped the issue would be defused after Anwar meets PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Seri Nik Aziz Nik Mat.

“We understand the temperature is rising following the Syura Council’s resolution last Sunday.

“However, the Syura Council did not give Anwar an ultimatum because we do not have the jurisdiction to do so as Anwar is not a party member,’’ said Syed.

PAS Ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib said he personally did not agree with Anwar, who had put the security of Israel before justice for the oppressed Palestinians.

“I will put forth my view during the next Syura Council meeting,’’ he said.

The 17-member Syura Council is the highest decision-making body in PAS.