PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat has been a dominant figure in the party for almost three decades, where his words and actions are revered by party faithful.

But at a special party seminar today, meant to resolve protracted policy issues, it was Nik Aziz who came under the microscope of party delegates and showed he was not all infallible.

Negeri Sembilan delegate Mohamad Khairil Anuar Wafa got the ball rolling by asking delegates to consider who should be the captain of PAS’ ship.

pas seminar 071109 hadi and nik aziz “Who is the authority in the party? ‘Mursyidul’ or the president? Who exactly is the authority in making party decisions?” he asked.

“We don’t want two captains in one ship, it can sink the boat,” he added, in a possible reference to Nik Aziz’s once famous declaration that it was he who helmed PAS .

Another delegate criticised Nik Aziz outright for using his blog to condemn several party leaders for causing trouble in the fledgling Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

“I don’t deny that his intentions are good... but his procedure is wrong... He has shown inappropriate attitude in the party structure,” he said.

Nik Aziz became increasingly vocal in PAS after it was learnt that several party leaders - led by president Abdul Hadi Awang - were toying with the idea of allying with arch-rivals Umno to consolidate power for religious and ethnic considerations.

pas seminar 071109 02 This was the result of PAS making unexpected headway in the national elections last year, which saw the party becoming junior members in the government of Selangor, Penang and Perak.

Troubles boiled over when Nik Aziz openly wrote on his blog that a special party assembly be convened to deal with “problematic leaders” such as Abdul Hadi, his deputy Nasharuddin Mat Isa, secretary-general Mustafa Ali and central committee member Hasan Ali.

This blog entry eventually snowballed into the seminar today, held at PAS’ former headquarters in Taman Melawar, Ampang which was attended by about 1,000 delegates.

Nik Aziz re-admitted into hospital

Meanwhile, Malacca delegate defended Nik Aziz’s outburst, explaining that he might have been forced to do so by circumstances.

“Maybe these issues were never taken seriously before that is why he needed to voice it out. The leaders the national level has not done anything about even there were complaints,” he said.

pas seminar 071109 nasharuddin and nik aziz The delegate also urged delegates not to perceive Nik Aziz and Abdul Hadi being at odds at each other.

“They are hugging and sitting next to each other. Are they fighting? Don’t be too influenced by the media who is playing up this issue,” he said.

Nik Aziz was not present at the debate. He was at the seminar briefly this morning but left mid-way through Abdul Hadi's speech.

According to Abdul Hadi, the party's spiritual leader was re-admitted into the National Heart Institute.

He warded in the hospital two days ago after suffering from fatigue.