Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says there are many Malay representatives to fill posts left vacant by PAS, should its members resign from the state government. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, June 7, 2015.
Lim said politically, it was no longer possible for PAS members to work together with a state government headed by him, as he is also DAP secretary-general, following the adoption of a motion without debate by the PAS muktamar or annual congress yesterday to sever relations with DAP.
"In such a situation, they will not be able to show loyalty to the state. Any position vacated by PAS members will be filled by Malays, just not from the Islamist party.
"I hope this matter is clear. We have many Malay representatives who are qualified to fill those positions. So there are no problems," he said, adding that the state was now waiting for the PAS leadership to order its members to give up their government-appointed posts in Penang.
Lim was speaking at a press conference today, where he elaborated on a press statement he issued yesterday saying that he would readily accept resignations of PAS representatives in the Penang government and its agencies, including municipal councils and village committees.
His statement came on the heels of the PAS's congress move to adopt without debate, the motion that originated from its Dewan Ulama or clerics' wing.
Some PAS grassroots leaders, however, were upset that the leadership had forced the motion through without letting the floor debate it.
Lim said he thought it was strange that the PAS leadership did not follow up on the matter after it had so quickly approved the motion.
"Why didn't the leadership order the resignations? Which is more important? Holding on to principles or positions? I think that will be the first test for the new PAS leadership, to prove that they are principled leaders.
"Now we wait and see what the UG (unity government) supporters in PAS will do. Maybe Umno will give them positions.
"The recent muktamar, which also saw party elections held was dominated by the ulama faction, which booted out members of the "progressive" faction, so called because of their openness to non-Muslims and political cooperation with other parties in Pakatan Rakyat.
Among those ousted was former deputy president Mohamad Sabu, whom Lim today hailed as a leader with principles.
In a retort against the ulama leadership, Mohamad, also known as Mat Sabu, had said at the PAS congress yesterday that he would quit all his state appointed positions in Penang.
Lim said it was commendable of Mat Sabu to do so given the PAS leadership's decision to end ties with DAP.
"I salute Mat Sabu because he holds on to principles and is not greedy for positions. Although he is defeated in the PAS elections this year, he has a big heart and he accepts the decision of the new PAS leadership to sever ties with DAP without debating the motion.
"He may have his own views, but he accepts their decision and is relinquishing all his posts in the Penang government. I salute his principles and his willingness to sacrifice for his party.
"I know it is very sad that he has to make such a sacrifice but he has conveyed his intention to quit and I respect his decision. I accept his resignations without question," Lim said, but added that he had not received any written resignation letter.
Mat Sabu is a board member of the Penang Water Cooperation chaired by Lim and a director of the Penang International Halal Hub.
Lim and Mat Sabu were both formerly Internal Security Act detainees, and are known to share a strong bond and good working relations in politics.
Mat Sabu, who is also the Penang PAS commissioner, is also one of the most popular and respected PAS personalities in Penang, including among the Chinese community.
- TMI
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