KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — Despite having a central committee member with a doctorate in crisis management, PAS does not appear able to handle crises well, a party insider said amid a stalemate over Selangor’s mentri besar.
In an interview with Malay-language daily Sinar Harian published today, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad indicated PAS should heed public perception on the next step to take in the ongoing leadership tussle even as the Islamist party’s central committee meets today to discuss its stand after twice postponing its meeting.
“PAS is seen as dragging its feet and not knowing what a crisis means, which I think are reasonable accusations that should serve as a reminder to us,” Dzulkefly was quoted saying with reference to fellow PAS central committee member Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa who has a Ph.D in crisis management.
“While I want this issue to be resolved quickly, I still respect the stand of the PAS president who may have his own considerations,” the PAS research centre executive director added.
Dzulkefly also described Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who had sacked the state’s executive councillors from PKR and the DAP, as a “wounded tiger”.
“I figure that he’s become like a wounded tiger, very violent, and also because people know that he’s violated the principles of democracy,” he said.
The public backing of top PAS leaders, including party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, for Khalid had thrown Pakatan Rakyat into disarray as PKR had nominated party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to take over Khalid’s post.
While the DAP has accepted PKR’s nomination, PAS is set to decide on the matter today.
