Ku Li issue – ‘Umno diversion tactic’

PAS' Mustafa Ali claims that Umno is using the issue to cover up its internal problems, adding that that Pakatan is firmly behind Anwar Ibrahim.

KUALA LUMPUR: The speculation about Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah being roped in to replace Anwar Ibrahim as opposition leader is an Umno diversion tactic, said a PAS leader today.

PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali said Umno was attempting to use the issue to cover up the party’s internal problems.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said that Pakatan Rakyat leaders were firm in their support for Anwar.

“I have attended all Pakatan and PAS leaders’ meetings and we never discussed anything about replacing Anwar. So it’s a non-issue,” he added.

Last month, Tengku Razaleigh, popularly known as Ku Li, launched the Angkatan Amanah Merdeka (Amanah) movement in a bid to steer the nation back to the principles expounded by the nation’s first premier, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Since then, speculation has been rife that the Umno veteran would switch camps.

Two days ago, PAS ulama council chief Harun Taib said that it is not impossible for Tengku Razaleigh to lead the opposition pact provided that he enjoyed the support of Pakatan leaders and the public.

Anwar’s replacement

Asked to comment on Harun’s statement, Mustafa said he was unsure of the matter.

“I don’t know why he said that. That you have to ask him,” he added.

On whether the Pakatan leadership has decided on a replacement for Anwar should he get imprisoned on sodomy charges, Mustafa said the matter has not been discussed.

However, Mustafa said that Anwar’s replacement, should he be jailed, would be one of the leaders within the pact itself.

“It can be Hadi Awang (PAS president), Lim Kit Siang (DAP) or (PKR deputy president) Azmin Ali but we will cross the bridge when we get there,” he added.