By Shannon Teoh
KUALA KRAI, July 6 — PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa was conspicuous by his absence at today's nomination for the Manek Urai by-election as the party sought to deflect attention from the impact of the Umno-PAS unity government proposal.
A clear split between pro- and anti-unity factions in the party has developed since it was ignited at last month's PAS general assembly.
Both president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat refused to reveal Nasharuddin's whereabouts amid speculation that his role in the unity government talks has made him unpopular in Kelantan.
Nik Aziz, a long-serving mentri besar here, had strongly opposed any cooperation with Umno, and his influence over Kelantan voters is said to be the reason why Hadi and Nasharuddin, both pro-unity leaders, have been less visible in the run-up to the polls.
No posters of Nasharuddin have been spotted in the constituency while only a few of Hadi have popped up recently.
"This is a state seat, not a federal one," Hadi said, referring to Nik Aziz's position as MB as the reason for his smaller role in Manek Urai.
When asked where his deputy was, Hadi shot back that "Najib is also not here," referring to Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Nik Aziz also insisted that his relationship with Hadi was fine as reporters could see they were "sitting side by side."
"Pakatan Rakyat already has unity among Malays, Chinese and Indians. Why do we need just Malay unity?" he said of accusations that by rejecting unity talks between the two Malay parties, he was rejecting Malay unity.
"The issue is buried, we do not have to bring it up anymore," he added.
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