GEORGE TOWN: Pas should stop riding the wave of the 'Solidarity with Datuk Seri Najib Razak' rally issue and instead respect the royal institution and pardons board.
PKR leadership council member Fahmi Zainol said the party should set a good example for its members.
"Pas, long renowned for exploiting religious issues, now appears to be taking the lead in exploiting Najib's issue.
"Enough with exploiting the issue. Learn to respect the royal institution and the pardons board," he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the pardon process for Datuk Seri Najib Razak should not be exploited as a political tool.
He said that certain political parties appear to be using Najib's pardon process as a political tool, and described such seasonal solidarity as nauseating, especially given the past slander directed at the former Umno president.
On Friday, Umno decided to cancel its attendance at the 'Solidarity with Datuk Seri Najib Razak' rally in response to the royal decree issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The party expressed its full respect for the prerogative powers of the King as outlined in Articles 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution, which govern the procedures for seeking a pardon.
Party secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said in line with the principle of upholding the decree of His Majesty the King and the directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Umno decided not to proceed with the gathering scheduled for tomorrow.
However, Pas party information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said Pas would still go ahead with its own rally planned for the same day and cause.
Fahmi said Pas' response regarding the matter was shallow.
"Fadhli should instead be supporting and praising Umno's humility and respect towards the royal decree of His Majesty the King, as well as adhere to the directive from the Inspector-General of Police.
"This mature and reasonable approach should be emulated to maintain public harmony and order.
"What is certain is that the people are becoming increasingly wiser in assessing and observing the true capabilities of Pas," he added.