A claim that opposition party PAS is promising a place in heaven to all who vote for it in upcoming elections has become a heated issue in Malaysia.

Election Commission chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman warned that action could be taken against political parties making such promises, prompting PAS to deny that it had done so.

"We have no right to say who goes to heaven and who goes to hell as that is decided by God," said PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

He accused supporters of the ruling Umno of disguising themselves as PAS members to make the claims as a smear tactic.

Key issue

In the wake of the denials, the information ministry announced today that state-controlled television would stop airing a video clip accusing PAS of the heavenly offer.

"Their denial has served (television's) aim of clearing the confusion among Muslims over the issue played up by PAS," a spokesman said.

The role of Islam is a key issue in the elections, expected later this month, with PAS seeking to replace the country's secular constitution with Islamic law under theocratic rule. - AFP