KOTA BARU, Nov 16 — The 19th anniversary of PAS rule in Kelantan turned into a damage-control exercise last night with Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders coming to the defence of Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat who is facing allegations of cronyism and corruption.
At a public rally near here to commemorate the PAS's administration anniversary, PR leaders Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Lim Kit Siang described the controversy surrounding the state government as another political conspiracy to weaken the coalition, drawing parallels to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation of the Selangor government.
Nik Aziz remained adamant, declaring to some 10,000 supporters who gathered at the Islamist party training centre that he will go to Mecca next year.
“With or without sponsorship, I will go next year,” he said to loud cheers from the crowd.
“And when I pray there, I will mention the name of Umno leaders who have defamed me one by one, may God open their hearts to repent,” said Nik Aziz.
The PAS spiritual leader has been embroiled in the controversial appointment of his son-in-law Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman as the Kelantan Mentri Besar Corporation (PMBK) CEO and his integrity has come under question for accepting a sponsorship from a businessman to perform the haj in Mecca.
Nik Aziz had decided to cancel the pilgrimage following pressure from the media and within his own party.
Opposition leader Anwar, who also spoke at the rally, described the controversy as a sign of Umno's desperation to take over the East Coast state which has been under PAS rule since 1990.
“This is too much, we have to fight till the end,” said Anwar.
“For almost 20 years, the attacks have never been so intense, are the Kelantanese going to keep quiet?” he asked the crowd.
The PR leaders also questioned MACC's lack of interest in other cases involving BN officials.
“Our skirt was lifted up slightly, but they have been naked all these while,” said Kelantan executive councillor Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.
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