KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has given an assurance that there will be no exception in the corruption probe on Kelantan Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat involving the sponsorship for pilgrimage and the irregularities claimed to have occurred in the Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated (PMBK).

MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Zakaria Jaffar said no one could be considered as an "exception" in such a case as this, including the  Menteri Besar and the investigation would be carried out according to the law.

KOTA BAHARU: The Kelantan government does not have any objection to or problem with more women than men holding top posts in the public sector, Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said today.

He said that of more importance was delivery of service and the quality of work of the civil servants.

"In Islam, men and women are looked upon as equal. No one is superior," he told reporters here.

KOTA BAHARU: Bayan Baru Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, who left the Pakatan coalition and declared himself an Independent MP on Friday, should quit being the MP for the constituency and pave the way for a by-election, said PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan Menteri Besar, said Zahrain had betrayed the trust of voters in the constituency.

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS has to make up its mind first before offering to hold talks with Umno on any issue, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

Najib who is also Umno president said this was necessary as experience showed that PAS had been inconsistent in its stand.

"I don't know what to say as his (PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat) stand changes like the weather. Sometimes he agrees, sometimes he disagrees and sometimes it is closed. So, I don't know his real stand.

KUALA LUMPUR: There is all around consensus, cutting across the political divide that the rift between the Kelantan palace and the Menteri Besar’s office must be resolved amicably.

State leaders and politicians, The Malay Mail spoke with, expressed disappointment that it was being played out in the open.

KUALA LUMPUR: Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and State Secretary Mohd Aiseri Alias were among several top State and palace officials who reportedly snubbed a royal order to discuss pressing matters with the Sultan of Kelantan, sources said.

The reason for their no-show at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, where the Sultan is recovering from a heart ailment since May, is not known.

PETALING JAYA: Kelantan Umno has described Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat's statement that the State was prepared to amend its Constitution to allow non-Malay Muslims to become Menteri Besar as a "political gimmick and diversion".

KOTA BARU: Families of the three victims involved in the tragedy at the KB Mall shopping complex here last Dec 6, today received payments in the form of insurance compensation and contributions.

They received the cheques from Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat at a ceremony at his office here.

The function was also attended by Kumpulan Pendidikan Masterskill Berhad chief executive officer Datuk Edmund Santhara and KB Mall manager Vincent Khor.

The three victims were students at the Masterskill College of Nursing here.

KOTA BAHARU: Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is against raising the dowry for Muslim women for fear that many of them may end up as 'old maids'.

"We do not propose to raise the dowry in Kelantan and will retain the existing regulation," he told reporters when asked to comment on the Selangor govenment's decision to raise the dowry in the state from RM80 to RM300 effective Jan 1 next year.

Nik Abdul Aziz said he did not care much for dowries, including the dowries for his children when they got married.

KELANTAN Pas is on its own when it comes to dealing with problems related to the State. That’s because Pas headquarters believes its State leaders are capable of handling problems independently. Party secretary-general Datuk Mustapa Ali said there was no need for interference in State affairs.