Khairuddin had said his resignation from PAS was to “save the party” and he was leaving “temporarily”. Last month, the former plantation industries and commodities minister was sacked as the secretary of the Syura Council owing to disciplinary issues.

PAS election director Sanusi Md Nor laughed off Khairuddin’s description of his exit, saying resignations were not temporary in nature.

“Temporary? There is no such thing in our party constitution.

“I’m not sure if I want to scream or laugh. Anyway, he is a friend, and I can only wish him well. He is free to use whatever terms he likes,” the Kedah menteri besar told reporters at Wisma Darulaman here today.

Sanusi also refuted Khairuddin’s claim that Perikatan Nasional (PN) was formed without due process, saying it was done above board.

“I’m in the PAS working committee. His claim that the party president was under the influence of someone is not true.

“Khairuddin has to accept that the president is the khalifah (leader) of our party and his decision is final,” he said.

Medical-grade ketum

Separately, Sanusi said Kedah was eager to export ketum, which he said was the “finest” of its kind in the country.

He said neighbouring Thailand had already legalised ketum, which has medicinal value and could be an industry that has potential for Kedahans.

“It is said that Kedah’s soil is one of the best for growing ketum and a perfect place to harvest the finest medical-grade ketum,” he said.

Sanusi then called for the government to legalise ketum for controlled medical use.

Ketum is currently a banned substance. However, a bipartisan parliamentary caucus was formed last October to study the regulation of ketum and cannabis for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.