SHAH ALAM: The death of former PAS Spiritual Advisor, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, was among the reasons why Muhammad Muhammad Taib left PAS for PKR.

In an interview with FMT, the former Selangor Menteri Besar, also known as Mat Taib, said when Nik Aziz passed away on February 12 last year, it seemed like the Islamist party had lost its spark.

Muhammad recalled that despite Nik Aziz’s small stature, the late Tok Guru, as he was affectionately known to many, exerted a definitive influence on the people.

“When he was still alive, they (PAS leaders) never dared to act this way. Even the Chinese were carrying PAS flags.

“Whatever he did before, he did with clarity, unlike now where there is an obvious racial game being played.”

Muhammad also alluded to Prophet Muhammad’s time, wherein he claimed racial issues were not hyped up.

“Today, I don’t see what used to exist in the party.

“I saw how some leaders, like those currently in Amanah, were alienated,” he said in reference to the splinter group which left PAS to form Parti Amanah Negara.

With an air of finality, he said, “This situation should not have happened.”