Nik Aziz calls for Malay unity against secularism

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — Revered Muslim scholar and spiritual leader of the opposition Pas, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, has dropped a bombshell by urging a merger of his party and the ruling Umno to defend "the Malay race and Islam" from the political challenge of secular ideologies.

The motive for the potential merger, according to political analysts, is to provide a defence against the secular, multiracial opposition Pakatan Rakyat, which is headed by former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar's Pakatan Rakyat won five states in the March 8 general election, increasing the number of its parliamentary seats from 17 to 82.

Political commentator James Wong called the idea of a possible Pas-Umno merger "staggering", saying that it "would rewrite the political landscape of the country if it materialises".

Nik Aziz, the Kelantan Menteri Besar, said on Saturday that he would table the proposal for debate at a special Pas delegates meeting next month.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi admitted he had been involved in three rounds of talks with top Pas leaders and both sides had agreed to continue discussions.

Sources said Abdullah had offered Pas positions, including the deputy premier's post, as incentives.

Pas deputy president Nasaruddin Isa confirmed the offers had been made when contacted yesterday, but denied that they had been accepted.

"We chose to stay with the opposition," he said, adding: "We are holding talks for the benefit of Islam and Malaysia and not out of self interest."

The moves toward greater unity between Pas and Umno have been condemned by the Chinese-led opposition DAP.

"We should have Malaysian unity talks not Malay unity," said former parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang.

"We are being forced to question the role of Pas in the opposition coalition. We should consider expelling them," DAP chairman Karpal Singh said.

Umno leaders have reacted cautiously to the proposed merger, saying it required "further study".

But disunity in the opposition ranks adds to Anwar's problems.

Anwar announced on Sunday that he would fight a by-election next month to return to Parliament. He faces sodomy allegations, but claims he is a victim of a political set-up.

-TMI