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By Wong Choon Mei, Suara Keadilan

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has slammed Prime Minister Najib Razak’s Umno-BN for launching a smear campaign against PAS spiritual adviser Nik Aziz Nik Mat after the Kelantan Menteri Besar rejected Umno’s overtures for unity talks.

This shows that they feel threatened by Nik Aziz. I don’t think it is a healthy practise. He is a well-respected figure,” Anwar told reporters on Monday.

Nik Aziz, the senior-most leader in the Islamist party, has been the most vocal critic of Umno.

He even gave his deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa a public scolding recently for not immediately rejecting Najib’s offer to form a unity government with PAS and its Pakatan Rakyat partners.

Because of this, Umno has been targeting the 78-year old religious scholar, accusing him of being the stumbling block to Malay and Islamic unity in the country.

Meanwhile, Pakatan has scoffed at the Umno allegations, counter-accusing the ruling coalition of trying to split not just their alliance but the entire country by fanning racial sentiments.

Top Pakatan leaders including Anwar, Nik Aziz and DAP’s Lim Kit Siang will hold a rally at the MPPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya, Selangor at 9 pm on Tuesday to reassure voters that they will fight together as a team to bring further reforms to the country.

Afraid to face Nik Aziz in public debate

Anwar also ticked off Umno for unethical politicking by picking on Nik Aziz just to gather support for the Manik Urai by-election due to be polled on July 14.

“Such a smear campaign against Nik Aziz is not necessary but I expect it to increase during the by-election,” said Anwar.

PAS’s Mohd Fauzi Abdullah will face off against Umno’s Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat in Manik Urai, a core Malay heartland and a key referendum on Najib’s acceptability as a leader in his own community.

Indeed, over the weekend Najib’s deputy Muhyiddin Yassin said Nik Aziz should seek forgiveness from God for likening Umno to religious extremists Ayah Pin and the Sky Kingdom.

The DPM was following through on a police report lodged by an Umno Youth leader who alleged that Nik Aziz’s comments were seditious.

“When a Muslim accuses another of not being a Muslim, well, I really don’t know what to say as such an accusation is a very serious offence in Islam,” Muhyiddin was reported as saying in Sunday’s edition of the Star.

Nik Aziz has denied the accusations and has challenged Najib to a public debate if the premier was still resentful and dissatisfied over the unity talks issue.

However, Najib’s supporters have rushed to reject the offer on his behalf.

“The debate will not bring anything. In fact, I believe now is not the time for the government or the prime minister to spend time debating,” said Rais Yatim, Information Minister.

Comments (10)

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written by Oscar Winner, June 30, 2009 02:45:07

Only one foolhardy Shaberry took up the challenge to face anwar in a public debate. That was a lesson well learnt. No one in UMNO has balls to debate again. They only dare to do it in parliament, away from the public eye, with the help of the biased Dewan speaker.

Furthermore, Manik Urai by-election is approaching. It will be suicidal to debate. If no debate, BN may get 30% of votes cast. If debate takes place, BN candidate will lose deposit. Now you know why there will be no debate

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written by Raizzen, June 30, 2009 08:14:00

Smear campaign against Nik Aziz will only backfire.

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written by freerpk, June 30, 2009 08:47:52

You cannot put a GOOD man down no matter how much smear you try. the truth will prevail and if the truth don't prevail on this earth; GOD will one day mete out justice....OOPS I forgot all these people are not afraid of GOD and that is why they doo all these evil acts.

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written by chiongguo, June 30, 2009 09:06:25

It is in their nature of umno to resort to smear campaign inspite of their claim to islamic moral high ground. Tok Guru countered that with a call to a public debate and what we had was a bunch of _ _ _ _ (fill in the blank) who gave one reason or another to avoid the call by Tok Guru. A public campaign will literally take the wind out of the smear campaign sail and in fact revealed the ugly politicking by umno.

What umno failed to realise is that when they fling mud invariably a lot will be stucked to their hands. And if they fling it on to Tok Guru, a simple and decent chap, a lot will rebound on them.

It is in the nature of this umno beast to smear and we should let them continue as they will be digging their own grave by their very action. I say let them.

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written by asguard, June 30, 2009 09:28:47

Agreed it will backfire... Nik Aziz did no wrong in eyes of Malay votes in Kelantan as UMNO yes... they just landed themselves in hot soup !

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written by fireduck, June 30, 2009 10:09:59

Najib doesn't pick his battles very well. And worse, his strategies are too often backfiring ones. This is Kelantan. Manek Urai is in Tok Guru's backyard. Slamming Tok Guru now to gain advantage? You must be a little OTC as the old man used to say. Otak Tak Center.

Looks like he hasn't learned from the Perak Fiasco. YB Nizar is popular there, Nik Aziz is revered in Kelantan. May as well kiss the by-election goodbye, Najib. Unless you turn it once again, into a buy-election.

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written by rocky, June 30, 2009 10:35:24

try to take down Tok Guru? good luck cos all Malaysians are supporting him cos we know he is honest and genuine unlike you corrupt UMNO buggers

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written by Admiral Tojo, June 30, 2009 11:02:18

How to smear Nik Aziz when Jibby is already smeared with corruption and possibly murder. Until now, no effort in clearing up his name, or maybe he cannot clear his name.

Shalom

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written by Susanna, June 30, 2009 12:13:12

The Tok Guru's character and integrity will stand up to whatever smears, dirt, mud they can to slander him. Nothing will stick. That's why character is so important. Who would you believe? UMNO goons or Tok Guru? Haahaaaa... begitu bodoh la orang UMNO. Even Obama will stand pale beside Mother Theresa!

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written by thor, July 01, 2009 00:24:32

“The debate will not bring anything. In fact, I believe now is not the time for the government or the prime minister to spend time debating,” said Rais Yatim, Information Minister.

Yes, Mr Win Win is right , now is the time to change the name only bcos a lot of ppl like himself cannot say H1N1, that is why Mr Brutie is reducing the number of subjects so that time can be well spent learning English.

What is Brutie doing in Paris with this flu thing going around? Havent he heard of video conferencing? Did he bring his mother along also?

GOD help us for having such leaders.

GOD SAVE OUR PEOPLE FROM THE WOLVES

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