SHAH ALAM - Former PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa was known to be a vocal and conservative individual when he was part of the Islamist party's leadership several years ago.
His recent appointment as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) was a surprise, with many alleging that he was not exactly the poster boy for moderation.
Acknowledging this perception, Nasharudin said what people thought of him was beyond his control, but stressed that moderation was something he always championed.
However, he said being moderate did not mean that one should allow their principles to be compromised.
"For example, you let someone challenge the supremacy of the law or the position of certain articles in the Constitution.
"When this happens, it means you are compromising your principles. Yes, we are moderate in our principles, but GMM needs to be a principles-based movement," he told reporters after attending a function here, Thursday.
On Wednesday, Nasharudin was appointed as the new CEO of GMM, replacing former Umno leader Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, who had joined PKR.
During his tenure in PAS, Nasharudin broke ranks with other party leaders when he openly criticised Bersih chairman Datuk S. Ambiga ahead of the Opposition-backed Bersih 3.0 rally in 2012.
His popularity among the non-Muslims dropped, but Nasharudin said he was always willing to accept differing views.
"I accept differences as it is normal to have conflicting views. I believe in communication, especially with this new appointment," he said.
His political career in PAS was also marred with controversy, as Nasharudin was alleged to have been one of PAS' leading proponents of entering talks with Umno, when speculation of a unity government was rife.
Nasharudin Mat Isa
He was subsequently expelled from PAS' Syura council after travelling to Gaza in 2013 with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Asked if his good relationship with the Prime Minister was the reason behind the appointment, the 53-year-old said he was not aware of it.
"I do not know about that. No one told me that I was appointed because I was close to Najib.
"I just received a call from (GMM chairman) Tan Sri Razali Ismail informing me of the appointment," he said.
He stressed that his appointment in GMM had nothing to do with his political background, as the movement played a role "beyond politics".
"If my political background is taken into account, I would not be appointed because I am still a card-carrying PAS member.
"In GMM, we would like to focus on nation-building at the international level, and this is what I am here for," he said.
Nasharudin added that he had been receiving positive feedback from his friends and supporters, including PAS members.
"Generally, from what I received, it is positive. They are hoping that we can do something in GMM for the sake of the nation," he said. - ANN
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