Islamic party PAS is said to have been "shamed" by the Islamic affairs portfolio in the Selangor exco being taken over yesterday by Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim of the PKR.

NONEAccording to Selangor opposition leader Satim Diman, (left) the decision to exclude the portfolio from the responsibilities of the new PAS exco member Ahmad Yunus Hairi is a "slap in the face" for the Islamic party.

"It is a slap for PAS which purports to be a champion of Islam, and yet they are not given the authority to care for Islamic affairs in Selangor.

"The decision clearly shows PAS is under the thumbs of DAP and PKR to the extent of having to receive this kind of insult without any resistance," he was quoted by daily Utusan Malaysia today.

Selangor information chief Abdul Shukor Idrus added that the "shocking" appointment of Ahmad Yunus also shows that top Selangor PAS leaders are sidelined by DAP and PKR.

"Logically, (Selangor PAS commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman) has the highest post in Selangor and should be appointed exco...(but) he is not the state's choice for fear that his strong influence could undermine state administration," he was quoted by Malay daily Sinar Harian as saying.

Former PAS vice president Nakhaie Ahmad, meanwhile ,told Berita Harian that the loss of the portfolio shows that the MB feels that PAS is no longer relevant.

"Islam will no longer be defended in Selangor with the appointment of someone who is liberal and less knowledgeable in Islam, as no one will be able to speak out on issues involving Islamic interests," he said.

Ulterior motive suspected in move

The daily reported that Islamic NGOs also found fault with the decision, quoting Muslim Consumer Association Malaysia secretary Maamor Osman saying that this shows that PKR Azmin Ali had an ulterior motive when he first called for action against expelled PAS member and then exco Hasan Ali.

Ahmad Yunus was appointed yesterday to replace Hasan, but will only be responsible for the Malay affairs and youth and sports portfolios.

Last night, MB Abdul Khalid defended his move by saying that it was partly political decision which among others took into account imminent general elections.

"This decision is more political (and) includes matters of administration and handling of certain situations, considering the fact that (elections) will be in no more than a year's time," he said.

He added that it would also be unreasonable to expect the Yunus, who is, Sijangkang assemblyperson to "struggle to understand the system, from focus to delivery" when the general election is speculated to be even within the next six months.

Last night, MB Abdul Khalid defended his move by saying that it was partly a political decision which among others took into account the imminent general elections.

He added that he took charge of the portfolio as he could get assistance from the state secretary and legal advisor, both Selangor Islamic Council (Mais) members, as well as keep himself updated with developments in the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais).