English daily the Star today clarified that it carried an erroneous report that Gerakan Federal Territories had passed a resolution calling for the sacking of Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria.

"Gerakan FT Gerakan chairperson Dr Tan Kee Kwong clarified that his remark asking for the removal of the mufti was made in his personal capacity during a press conference," said the daily today.

Tan's remark after the April 1 Gerakan FT convention was picked up by the daily the day after.

PAS has reacted strongly to the matter and has called for Gerakan FT and Tan to retract the said resolution and issue an open apology.

Following this, PAS Federal Territories held a dialogue with Gerakan FT on the matter yesterday. They also held a peaceful demonstration and later lodged a police report on the matter.

PAS' bone of contention was that the predominantly non-Muslim based Gerakan FT had interfered with Muslim matters.

Demands remain

Contacted today, PAS FT acting youth chief Kamaruzaman Mohamad said despite the clarification by the Star today, the party would still press for Tan to retract his remark.

"Whether or not the call came from a resolution or Tan is now irrelevant. The remark should not have been made. He has no entitlement to that remark," said Kamaruzaman, who lodged the report yesterday at Dang Wangi district police headquarters.

Explaning, he said that Gerakan being a Chinese-dominated party can be seen as interfering with state rulers who were in charge of appointing Islamic leaders.

"This is a sensitive issue among Muslims that can stir discord among various groups," added Kamaruzaman.

"Our demands remain unchanged. Tan must withdraw the remarks and openly apologise over the matter".