The directive was given at a closed-door briefing for delegates last night, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan told reporters after the meeting.

He said Hadi had enumerated the issues to avoid, but he declined to disclose what they were except to say they included “trivial issues”.

The directive could be taken as a warning, he added.

Takiyuddin said the main subjects of Hadi’s address were party unity and the need to prepare for the general election.

“The president’s main message is that the muktamar is a platform for bringing PAS members closer together and not a platform for disunity.”

Referring to the party’s preparations for the general election, Takiyuddin said Hadi indicated that “directives from the PAS leadership must be followed without excuses”.

The muktamar begins today. Takiyuddin said PKR had been invited to attend the opening, as had Malay rights group Perkasa and PAS’ allies in Gagasan Sejahtera, namely Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia and Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia.

Relations between PAS and PKR have been strained in recent days. PAS has taken offence at remarks made by some PKR leaders.

Presently, PAS’ ulama and youth wings have resolved to sever ties with PKR, citing its failure to comply with conditions of their political cooperation. However, a final decision will be made by PAS’ Syura Council, the party’s highest decision-making body.