PAS trio to be called to explain

Dec 22:  PAS will call Selangor state Exco Dr Hasan Ali, former deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa and Selangor PAS information chief Saari Sungip to explain recent media statements. Saying the party could not afford to waste time on squabbles, personal ego or refusal to toe party line,  PAS information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said their explanation was crucial. “With the general election looming, PAS will not tolerate any sabotage whether internal or external that could affect the party’s final preparation,” said Tuan Ibrahim, repeating his advice that members embrace teamwork. Saari had recently told the media that Hasan, the former Selangor PAS commissioner who has been in the limelight following several statements deemed to undermine the Islamic party, had failed to secure enough nominations from PAS members to defend his Gombak Setia state seat in the next general election. Together with Nasharuddin,  Hasan reportedly said that PAS had deviated from its Islamic struggle. Hasan had even questioned the party’s decision to introduce the concept of benevolent state proposed by party president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang at the last muktamar. Their statements prompted a rebuke from PAS veteran and secretary general Mustafa Ali, who said the duo were dancing to UMNO's tune by supporting efforts to undermine PAS's alliance in Pakatan Rakyat and coopertae with UMNO in the name of Malay unity. “PAS is a democratic party, every decision is collective and not individual. When a decision is made, the shura (consultative) council will decide whether the decision is in line with Islamic principles, and every PAS member must move the same direction to achieve the goals,” stressed Tuan Ibrahim, adding that the party had no time to entertain any disgruntled member. He also advised members to ignore their personal interests and rivalries in order to focus on the party’s victory.