KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad joined other leaders in the country to condemn PAS' decision to compel its elected representatives to divorce their wives if they switch political parties.

"It is an insult to all Muslim women. PAS is willing to break up families just because members who are disappointed with it join another party," said Dr Mahathir.

"Politics can be dirty but religion is clean," he said at a press conference after delivering a talk on "Women's role in nation building" organised by the NAM Institute for the Empowerment of Women.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said: "Because it involves hukum syarak, they are afraid to say anything and would rather keep quiet.

"Muslim women need to think long and hard about this as many of these issues involve their rights."

Kelantan Umno chief Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said imposing the oath on PAS' elected representative was an "unusual move" by the Islamic party.

In KUANTAN, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said PAS' loyalty oath (bai'ah) was not new but had been in practice for the last two parliamentary terms.

However, Shah Alam PAS chief Khalid Samad continued to defend bai'ah, saying that its objective was to ensure a person, particularly a PAS elected representative, did not betray his wife, the public and his party.

He also admitted his mistake of making a statement on bai'ah which has caused uneasiness in PAS.

He regretted divulging the existence of such an oath of loyalty, but declined to withdraw his statement.

Also read: PAS slammed for swearing to divorce wife if they jump party

--The Star/ANN