Zahid says PAS "number two" is a Shi'ite

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has claimed on live television that the second-ranked leader in the opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) is a Shiiite, a controversial claim in staunchly Sunni Malaysia.

"There is no need to hide," Datuk Seri Zahid, speaking in his capacity as Umno vice-president, told some 3,000 delegates at the party's annual assembly today (Sat). The speech was telecast live on television.

Though Mr Zahid did not name the person, he expressed puzzlement as to why PAS, which held its biennial elections two weeks ago, again picked a Shi'ite as "its number two".

PAS deputy president Muhammad Sabu, who has long been accused by his political rivals within his own party of being a Shi'ite, has denied the accusation on several occasions.