KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — PAS’s powerful decision-making Syura Council warned party members today against joining Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (PasMa) — a critical pressure group within the Islamist party causing rumblings among the rank-and-file.

Viewing the group as a threat towards the party’s unity, the council of Islamic clerics also urged members to report those involved with PasMa to either itself or the party’s equally powerful central committee.

“In line with the PAS president’s reminder during the winding up of 2014’s annual congress against a congregation within a congregation, a party within a party, the Syura Council advises members to not involve themselves in any PasMa’s activity,” it said in a statement.

“Division and state liaison bodies are also advised to lodge written reports to the PAS central committee and Ulama Syura Council if such behaviours happen as well as at their respective levels, so further action can be taken.”

The council also reminded PAS members of a so-called international movement allegedly trying to weaken Islamic movement by removing Islamic elements from Islamic parties.

Central committee member Nik Abduh Nik Abd Aziz claimed last week that there is an “international conspiracy” trying to topple president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and undermine the Syura Council.

He however did not provide any proof to back his allegations.

PasMa was formed by PAS members as a watchdog to ensure that the Islamist party retains its position in Pakatan Rakyat, and does not form any agreement or unity government with ruling coalition Barisan Nasional.

It was extensively reported earlier by the Malay media that a long list of leaders from PAS’s so-called “liberal” faction have signed up as PasMa office bearers, including Husam, Dr Hatta Ramli, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Khalid Samad, among others.

However, the group has named Kedah PAS deputy commissioner and Pengkalan Kundor assemblyman Datuk Ir Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi as its president, and PAS Pasir Puteh MP Muhammad Husin as deputy president.

Phahrolrazi has since denied the reports, claiming that the publicised list was different from the one in his hands.

PAS information chief Datuk Mahfuz Omar had clarified that PasMa was not formed by the party and is unaffiliated.

Party secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali also denied reports that PasMa is a potential splinter party that was set up to challenge the ulama wing aligned to president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

The senior PAS leader said it is commonplace for PAS leaders to form or be part of NGOs outside of the party’s ambit, and stressed that PasMa in no way signifies a split.