KOTA BARU: Pas spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat yesterday specifically stated his preference for Mohamad Sabu to be the party's candidate for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election.

While acknowledging that the final decision had not been reached yet, Nik Aziz said he felt Mohamad Sabu, Pas' outspoken vice-president, was the best choice as the party needed a "loud" voice in Parliament.

"If it is possible, I really want him. There is no reason to reject him as he had contested there before.

"I admit that even I am not as eloquent as him. That is his gift.

"He is my personal choice but the final decision will be made by the party," he said after chairing the weekly state exco meeting.
Commenting on the sacking of former minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim from Umno, Nik Aziz said the lawyer was welcome to join Pas.

When asked on the party's relationship with Parti Keadilan Rakyat and DAP under the Pakatan Rakyat alliance, he said Pas would never consider breaking off ties with its partners despite conflicting policies and views.

"We need to focus on ways to strengthen our cooperation and not on our differences.

"Divorce has never entered my mind as we have similar goals and aspirations," he said.

Nik Aziz also said the party should seriously consider the proposal to open its membership to non-Muslims.

"Even Prophet Muhammad was receptive to the non-Muslims during his time by accepting their visits and even putting them up at mosques.

"Such an idea is impossible nowadays as Malays are not keen to have non-Muslims in the mosques.

"This is wrong as Islam is universal and can be the meeting point for everyone."