PAS today urged the government to screen the entire 1985 Memali incident on the state-run RTM channel so that people will be able to see the actual picture for themselves.

PAS President Fadzil Noor claimed there were numerous parts of the clashes, including the action by the police, which were not aired.

"I am asking (Information Minister Tan Sri) Khalil Yaakob to meet the late Ibrahim Libya's right hand man, Yusof Husin in Alor Setar, Kedah and interview him first if there is a real need to air the Memali incident, he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

In the bloody Nov 19 incident in Kedah, 18 people, including Ibrahim, were killed in the clashes between villagers and security forces. Also killed were four police personnel.

Authorities claimed Ibrahim, a PAS member and Muslim cleric, had instilled anti-government sentiments amongst the villagers and this had led to the tragedy.

Legal action

RTMs decision to air the 60 second clip on the incident sparked off a chorus of protest from PAS leaders who claimed the move was to character assassinate the Muslim-based party.

PAS leaders have also threatened legal action over the matter.

Meanwhile, on RTMs move to air a clip on Amanat Hadi, a speech made by Abdul Hadi after the Memali incident, Fadzil said the formers speech did not contravene Islam.

People following the speech will understand, he added.

Abdul Hadi, who is PAS deputy president and Terengganu Menteri Besar, delivered the controversial message on April 7, 1981 at a village in Terengganu.

Among others, Hadi had said people who opposed Umno can be considered to be involved in a jihad or holy war.

In a press statement later today, Hadis press secretary Zahari Mohamed criticised RTM for airing the clips and described it as akin to water of a ducks back.

It seems the television channel is more interested in confusing the people by screening matters concerning PAS rather than airing clips of the prime ministers speech which is definitely more beneficial, he said.

The press secretary also added that if RTM was sincere in its move to explain to the public about the Amanat Hadi and the Memali incident, then both clips must be aired in full.

Zahari said if RTM could not get its hands on the full footage than it could hold an exclusive interview with Hadi and ask him to explain his Amanat.

He also urged the television stations to hold special programmes, such as a forum, to discuss the matter between Umno and PAS leaders, Muslim clerics and academics.