PAS central committee member Dzulkefly Ahmad said the physical assault on him last Thursday has not sowed fear in him from continuing to speak out.

"The attack is aimed at causing fear (in the victim). I have fought back against such fear since the beginning.

"It won't stop my activism work," he told Malaysiakini.

Asked if the assault could be linked to the upcoming party elections that has seen growing acrimony among differing factions, Dzulkefly (right) declined to draw any conclusions.

"I don't want to speculate at this time. I just want the police to conduct detailed investigations (into my assailant)," he said.

However, he said that he would defend his party position should he receive a nomination.

PAS divisions will begin nominating candidates for the PAS central committee and presidential elections beginning April. The central committee election will be held in June.

Dzulkefly said he has not heard from the police since his attack.

Rocky road to PAS polls

On Thursday morning, two men assaulted Dzulkefly with iron rods while entering his car after subuh prayers.

During the incident, one assailant had uttered, "Why are you so rude (kurang ajar)?"

The PAS leader managed to fight off the attackers, who escaped on a motorcycle.

Dzulkefly, who is former Kuala Selangor MP, suffered a cut on his lip and several bruises.
 
Some have speculated that such acts are being perpetrated by “third parties” who want to interfere in the Islamic party's polls, and not PAS members.

Several weeks ago, PAS central committee member Mujahid Yusof Rawa said he believed a “third force” supported by Umno is responsible for attempting to shake up the contest, a move he said was aimed at PAS' progressive leaders.