KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 — Utusan Malaysia predicted today Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak would be the latest PAS leader to be sacked from the party, following the Kedah mentri besar’s defence of the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA). 

Azizan (picture) had previous been criticised by constitutional expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari for defending Kolej Universiti Insaniah (Kuin)’s suspension of five students under the UUCA in May last year, something which Azizan has said he is willing to be sacked for. 

The Umno daily, in its weekend edition Mingguan Malaysia voiced its unequivocal support for the embattled Kedah MB, and labelled Aziz as an “Anwar supporter.” 

“There are now efforts to replace him (Azizan) with a whole lot of excuses used including Azizan’s health,” wrote senior news editor Zulkefli Hamzah in his “Warung Politik” column. 

“As how Datuk Dr Hasan Ali, Nasharudin Mat Isa, Datuk Haron Din and many have been labelled pro-Barisan Nasional, Azizan has fallen under that category,” said the columnist. 

Zulkefli praised Azizan for remaining firm in his stand, and said that this was what angered Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders and supporters — that Azizan’s attitude was seen as going against the policies set out in the Buku Jingga. 

“Azizan like Hasan has always been rational and mature. They who want the UUCA to be repealed are but a minority, but they know how to make a scene to garner support. 

“From the start, Azizan has remained consistent in his stand against the five students charged under the UUCA...he did not pacify these students, and has even supported their suspension,” wrote the Utusan columnist. 

PAS, Zulkefli charged, was uncomfortable with Azizan as a leader, as he is now seen as “incompetent”. 

“How long can PAS tolerate the pressures of its minority pro-Anwar group? Azizan has stated that he is willing to be sacked by PR, but he has reminded, it is not easy!” added Zulkefli. 

The five Kuin students were hauled up before a disciplinary committee on May 25, 2011 for breaching the UUCA by participating in a demonstration, making speeches with loudspeakers and holding a press conference to protest the use of a religious teaching block to house a smart school. 

Mohd Faiz Mohd Arshad was suspended for two semesters while the rest were barred for one semester and given warning letters. 

Although the suspension was meted out nearly eight months ago with four of the five having already served their one-semester bans, the activists have continued to pursue the matter in court. 

However, the Kuala Lumpur High Court postponed the January 18, 2011 hearing on the suit to challenge the suspension without giving a new date. 

PAS has demanded Azizan explain the suspension of the five students during its central leadership meeting this coming February 12.