PAS has banned the debate between its election director Mustafa Ali and Salor state assemblyperson Husam Musa over the latter's claim that there had been talks of a merger between PAS and Umno in 2008.

"We do not debate and talk outside the party; we do not allow any quarters to organise the debate between the duo," PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said at a press conference at Parliament lobby today.

"This is a gag order imposed on all leaders, including Husam, Mustafa, and the organiser," he said.

With this move, party leaders cannot broach the unity government issue which was brought up by Husam, and make baseless allegations against PAS, especially claims of mismanagement of the Kelantan state government.

All the party members are banned from discussing the baseless allegations outside the party platform, Takiyuddin said.

However, he added that the gag order would not stifle freedom of speech of the members.

He also confirmed that the party has called up Husam to explain his allegation that party president Abdul Hadi Awang had wanted to work with Umno to establish a unity government in Selangor.

Husam will have to appear before the hearing to be chaired by Hadi on Nov 24.

"We have already issued a letter to him,” he said.

Husam had alleged earlier this month that Hadi had attempted to form a unity government with Umno in Selangor early to which the party asked him (Husam) for an explanation.

When asked if Husam refuses to provide one, he said, "We'll cross the bridge when we come to it."