Axe falls on PAS’ Hasan

Controversial leader deemed to have gone against party interests

KUALA LUMPUR: The axe has finally fallen on controversial PAS central committee member and Selangor exco member Datuk Dr Hasan Ali who has been having a long-drawn row with fellow party leaders.

Party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang announced Dr Hasan’s sacking after a central committee meeting he chaired here yesterday.

He said the decision was a collective one and took immediate effect.

He said the Gombak Setia assemblyman and former PAS Selangor head had gone against the party’s interest and breached its constitution.

“He can appeal against his sacking to the party’s Syura Council,” Abdul Hadi said in a statement.

According to the statement, Dr Hasan was sacked under Article 82(9) of the party constitution, which allowed for disciplinary action to be taken without a hearing.

In an immediate response, Dr Hasan said he was shocked by the party’s decision, saying he would consult friends and religious scholars on his next course of action.

“I am sad that my struggles for Islam all this while is repaid in this manner,” he added.

Also present at the monthly meeting held at the party’s national headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut was PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu and PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who is Kelantan Mentri Besar.

Dr Hasan, who was not present, had irked party leaders in recent weeks over his public criticism of PAS’ policies, particularly its switch from pursuing an Islamic state agenda to that of a welfare state.

Lately, he had also lashed out at a party decision to lend support to the Pkr-initiated rally today at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex in Jalan Duta, held in support of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Selangor exco member in charge of Islamic affairs has also been a thorn in the state government which he openly criticised.

He broke ranks with Pakatan Rakyat after speaking out in support of a raid on a church event.

His latest action was to take part in a Jais raid in Petaling Jaya and Damansara on New Year’s eve.

With his sacking from the party, Dr Hasan’s removal from the state exco becomes inevitable.

Mohamad Sabu said the central committee had a long discussion and the decision to sack Dr Hasan was unanimous.

“He violated the party’s constitution and his responsibilities as a member and leader of the party,” he said, adding that Dr Hasan could file an appeal anytime and there was no definite deadline.

Meanwhile, last night Dr Hasan told hundreds who had gathered at his house that he was disappointed that he was sacked because of his views on Anwar.

“I will continue fighting for Islam, the Malays and the Malay rulers,” he told the hundreds who had gathered at his house, including former PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa and Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali.

He said he would be calling a press conference sometime this week.