CM: Does PAS want to hold on to principles or posts?

GEORGE TOWN: The DAP has taken a jab at PAS for not ordering its members, who hold posts in Penang state government and its agencies, to resign following the motion by its Dewan Ulama to sever ties with the party.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said politically, it was no longer possible for PAS members to work with the state government, led by him as the chief minister.

“It is unlikely for PAS members to show their loyalty to the state government after the party has severed ties with us.

“I’m curious why the PAS leadership did not instruct their members to resign from their state posts.

“What is more important? Holding on to your principles or your posts?

“This will be the first challenge for the new PAS central committee to prove if they really hold on to their principles,” he said at a press conference after giving away prizes to winners of the Komtar Tower Run 2015 here yesterday.

He said so far, only former PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu, had indicated his intention to resign from his posts in various state agencies.

Lim said the positions left vacant by PAS members would be filled by other capable Malay representatives.

Among the posts held by PAS members are those in state government agencies, local councils and community development and security committees.

Lim said he was saddened by Mat Sabu’s intention to resign from all his posts.

“But I respect his decision. I salute him because he holds on to his principles and is not greedy for power.

“Although he was defeated in his own party polls, he still accepted his party’s decision and sacrificed himself for PAS.

“This is something we rarely see among PAS leaders nowadays,” he added.

Lim said Mat Sabu had yet to submit his letter to resign as the non-executive director of PBA Holdings Bhd and the director of the Penang International Halal Hub.

Permatang Pasir PAS assemblyman Datuk Salleh Man could not be reached for comments on his post as the Penang Islamic Religious Council president.