KOTA BHARU, Jan. 26 -- PAS has played down a proposal by Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah to reinstate three former party assemblymen as elected representatives, even if they continue as independents.

Deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the issue was not ripe for discussion, noting that the next general election remains distant and many uncertainties remain.

"This issue does not arise because the election is still a long way off. We have yet to know who the candidates will be or which seats will be contested," the Kubang Kerian MP was quoted by New Straits Times as saying last night here.

Abu Bakar was reported by Utusan Malaysia to have suggested the move after arguing that the three former assemblymen - Ridzua...