KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — PAS has placed a gag order on all its members to prevent them from debating internal issues outside the party, secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said today.

In a press conference at the parliament lobby here, Takiyuddin said the gag order was issued after the party election committee chairman Datuk Mustafa Ali challenged Datuk Husam Musa to debate on the latter’s allegation against the party.

“We would not allow any debate outside the party. This gag order is placed for everyone in the party,” he told reporters here.

“Any issues in the party should not be discussed outside. We have called Husam to explain his allegations on November 24.”

He added that even freedom of speech within the party “must have limits” and any issues with PAS must be conducted in proper platform.

Husam was reported previously claiming in a speech in Kota Baru, Kelantan that the party president was prepared to work with Umno to set up a unity government in Selangor last year.

In his claim, Husam said the plan fell through as Hadi had failed to garner the support from PKR state assemblymen.

Hadi further added that the unity government was not attempted last year, but instead in 2008 on the federal level.

He clarified that a unity government did not mean PAS would join Umno, but a formation of government which included all parties working together.

“We tried to work on a unity government in 2008 but because many parties did not agree to it, it did not happen,” he said.