PAS threatened by Anwar’s popularity, says Nik Nazmi

KLUANG: PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (pic) has stated that PAS is calling for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's resignation because they feel threatened by his growing popularity.

Nik Nazmi said that PAS is concerned about the shift in support within the Malay community, which forms the backbone of the Islamist party’s support base.

"Anwar has successfully addressed issues related to Islam and is viewed as a respected leader both internationally and domestically among Muslim scholars. This, in my opinion, has left PAS feeling threatened and desperate in their political strategies," Nik Nazmi added.

He criticised PAS for neglecting bread-and-butter issues and instead playing on racial sentiments without showing maturity or interest in governance. Nik Nazmi made these remarks while campaigning for Barisan Nasional’s candidate, Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, in Taman Ilham, Mahkota on Tuesday (Sept 24).

His comments came in response to PAS’s youth wing, which called for Anwar to step down as Prime Minister during their annual general assembly (muktamar) in Temerloh on Sept 12.

In response, Anwar challenged the opposition to table a vote of no confidence against him in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat session in October.

Following this, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man advised Anwar not to become "frantic" in the face of calls for his resignation.