I won't give in, says defiant Hasan

Far from being intimidated by the prospect of facing a disciplinary hearing, Selangor PAS commissioner and exco member Hasan Ali appears to be "even more determined" in upholding his party's Islamic principles.

At a hastily-convened press conference in Shah Alam today, the vocal leader said he is doing this for the benefit of Selangor citizens.

Hasan had sought the removal of fellow exco Ronnie Liu as head of the local government portfolio for "meddling in Islamic affairs" over the seizure of alcohol from a convenience store.

DAP state deputy chairperson and PJ Utara MP Tony Pua then demanded a disciplinary hearing against Hasan's "unwarranted and unjustified" move.

Retorted Hasan today: "I won't (give in to) such threats. I will keep fighting for Islam... I am ready to face any action by the top leadership, even if I am stripped of my position for what I did."

He dismissed the notion that this could lead to a rift among his Pakatan Rakyat colleagues, saying that this is "only a ripple that will strengthen our position."

'I don't want to backtrack'

The open squabble broke out when Hasan accused Liu of interfering with Shah Alam City Council's (MBSA) decision to confiscate alcohol from a convenience store.

Liu ( left ) has denied this repeatedly, saying his role was limited to 'advising' MBSA that the raid on a 7-11 outlet in Section 8, Shah Alam, was illegal and not in line with the state government's policy.

Pua (right) has since come to Liu's defence, saying the latter "was carrying out his responsibilities diligently by returning illegally seized goods to their rightful owners".

But Hasan seemed evasive when asked about Liu's denial, claiming that he had "commented on it before" although he has not.

"I don't wish to backtrack, because our main agenda is this subject (Pua). I don't wish to repeat my answer," he said.

'Poll proves we were on track'

Hasan also stood firm regarding his call on the government to impose a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state despite Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim stating otherwise .

He argued that the majority of the people in the state have agreed to his suggestion based on a poll conducted by a local newspaper today.

"According to the poll, 85 percent to 90 percent have agreed to imposing a blanket ban," he said, adding that the poll also stated that the Pakatan coalition will not suffer a rift because of this.

On the same note, Hasan said this does not mean that he was against the call by the MB on convenience stores to impose self-regulation.

"We will cooperate with the state government on the self-regulation ruling and I hope something positive will come out from it," he said.

However, he stressed that if weakness were found in this approach, then PAS will come up with suggestions or by-laws for local authorities "so that the process will be more smooth and effective."