PAS had objected to PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s nomination as Selangor menteri besar as the party was sceptical of her leadership qualities.
This was one of the three reasons Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had raised with opposition de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a meeting at the former’s house in Marang, Terengganu almost two weeks ago.
According to a source close to the Pas leadership, Hadi was totally against the PKR president’s candidacy.
“Hadi also raised objection to the likelihood of Wan Azizah functioning as Anwar’s proxy in the state’s administration. The appointment of a woman menteri besar would break palace and religious protocols conventionally suited to be carried out by men.”
PKR had named Dr Wan Azizah as Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s replacement as Selangor menteri besar. The source said PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was also present at the meeting.
On Thursday night, Pas secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali had refused to answer questions pertaining to Pas’ stance on Dr Wan Azizah’s nomination. However, without going into detail, Mustafa said the “reasons” had been conveyed to the top PKR leadership.
The source said top Pas leaders had been told to only discuss the matter during the party’s central committee meeting tomorrow.
“Obviously, Pas is opposing the ascend of Dr Wan Azizah to the menteri besar’s office. However, bear in mind that Pas is not against the appointment solely because of her gender, but rather the repercussions, both political and religious, from such a decision.
“Hence, Tok Guru Hadi had asked Anwar to reconsider Dr Wan Azizah’s candidacy as menteri besar.”
The source said Pas’ refusal to give the nod to Dr Wan Azizah’s candidacy was a major stumbling block for Pakatan as her appointment must be endorsed by a consensus of top opposition leaders.
“A majority of support may not be enough for her to wrest the Selangor menteri besar post from Khalid.
“Technically, she can be appointed by a majority of support from the assemblymen but it won’t be ‘truly’ endorsed by all Pakatan partners.”
The source also said the suitability of a woman to carry out menteri besar duties would be among the topics discussed at Pas’ central committee meeting tomorrow.
“For example, religiously and even by palace protocols, a menteri besar must accompany the sultan into a mosque or at any religious event.
“This is basically to provide ease of communication between the ruler and the menteri besar. It is a tradition steeped in purpose.
“However, a woman menteri besar, at a religious function, for instance, may have to be seated away from the male audience. If you look at it from the Islamic point of view, you will have a better understanding.”
The various aspects of uzur syarie, as mentioned by constitutional expert Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun, who drew flak for his comments on the matter based on religious insight, would also be deliberated.
“All dalil (arguments), including matters relating to uzur syarie, will be studied,” the source said.