PAS deputy spiritual leader Dr Haron Din has denied targeting any group when he warned of the possibility of “traitors” in the ranks ahead of the party assembly from June 4.

Rather, he explained, he was only speaking in general terms to remind the party to keep to its tradition of “ ulama leadership” in order to strengthen the organisation.

dr haron din pas “The reminder was directed at all members to be on their toes and to be wary of enemies of Islam who may have infiltrated the party to try and weaken it from within,” he said when contacted today.

“History has shown that there were enemies of Islam during the Prophet’s time. Similarly, there have been enemies of Islam since his death.

“I only issued a general warning or reminder as Islam is on the rise in the party and the country. So it is directed towards party members to be wary of such elements and be aware of such threats.”

Haron, who has declined nominations to contest the PAS deputy presidency, said there is a need for a vetting mechanism to screen aspirants for posts, similar to what the party’s candidates go through ahead of a general election or by-election.

“I feel that such a mechanism should be in place during the nomination process,” he said.

Asked to explain why the “ ulama leadership” should be maintained, Haron - a former Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia lecturer - said this was what the party had agreed upon in 1982.

That decision is still valid and has been unchallenged, he noted. So long as the party is named Parti Islam SeMalaysia, members have agreed that ulama should lead.

“I am glad that the post of presidency is secured (with Abdul Hadi Awang) but I am concerned about the deputy presidency,” he remarked.

‘Review the rules’

Haron described this year's contests as similar to that six years ago, when there was a contest between Nasharuddin Mat Isa representing the ulama and Mustafa Ali representing the professional group. Nasharuddin won.

mat sabu husam musa 03 This year will see a three-way contest with Nasharuddin defending his post against two professionals - Mohammad Sabu (left) and Husam Musa (right) .

“I do not want to belittle the capabilities of Mohammad and Husam as I feel they have strong religious credentials and a deep knowledge of Islam, although they are not scholars. I feel it is all right this time around to see such contests.

“However, next time around, I feel the party may have to review the regulations governing contests.”

Asked if this will mean limiting the role of professionals, Haron only reiterated that the top two posts should be filled by ulama .

On his strong comments during a seminar over the weekend, Haron denied that it was a reference to any group - anti-Erdogan or pro-Umno - in PAS.

“Such notions of Erdogan or pro-Umno are only labels created by the media. I did not make any reference to any group during the seminar. I do not want to create disunity within the party but was only reminding members to be aware of threats,” he said.

On Saturday, Haron a respected religious scholar, had warned PAS to keep its eyes open for “traitors”, including those sponsored by Umno or the United States, who may take over the leadership one day.

pas muktamar ke 55 annual general assembly 55 180509 Haron said the party’s “enemies” will have the ability to promote some leaders through favourable media coverage, especially in the upcoming muktamar (annual general meeting).

His comments were seen as a move to thwart the influence of the pro-Pakatan Rakyat or Erdogan faction.

Erdogan refers to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is known to be a moderate Islamic leader.