'Non-ulama leaders taking PAS off course'
Selangor exco Hasan Ali, who is on the warpath against several PAS leaders, has made the startling allegation that the party is deviating from its cause under the leadership of non-ulama.
Selangor exco Hasan Ali, who is on the warpath against several PAS leaders, has made the startling allegation that the party is deviating from its cause under the leadership of non-ulama.
"From what I observe, PAS is starting to be controlled by the non-ulama group which is more inclined to adopt accommodating politics,” he told a press conference at his bungalow in Kuala Lumpur today.
“This has been to the extent of sacrificing the principles of the party's struggle, which have been defended since its inception."
He said the deviation is evident as the party has shifted its key policy from that of the 'Islamic state' to one of a ‘unity government’ and eventually to the current 'welfare state'.
"In my view, PAS does not need to implement a welfare state because this has been done in Sweden, Europe, the US and Australia. Secular (leaders) can do it."
Recalling his reasons for joining PAS some 15 years ago - for the Islamic state agenda and leadership of the ulama - Hasan claimed that the current leadership line-up is swamped by professional, technical and corporate figures like himself.
"I received a secular education and lived in the US for seven years. Hence I need guidance from ulama group especially in politics, but this is no longer being maintained in the party.
"In the past, the number of professionals was small and the number of ulama was big, which I preferred.”
The former Selangor PAS commissioner who had held the post for eight consecutive years, claimed to have proof that deviation from party policy has shaken the support base.
"PAS members and supporters are not naive. They are not as stupid as (secretary-general Mustafa Ali,
right
) thinks. They are also not cows (to be led by the nose). They are individuals with culture, morality, religion and proven intellectual capability and mature thought, who we should respect."
However, he pointed out that PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and president Abdul Hadi Awang still reflect the character of a respectable religious leader.
Hasan claimed that both leaders, along with ulama wing chief Harun Taib and Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan, have expressed support for his views .
He also said Hadi's aide had met him and advised him not to do anything that could jeopardise the party, unlike Mustafa and vice-president Mahfuz Omar.
Hasan’s main motive
Last week Mustafa had alleged that Hasan has fallen into Umno’s trap and is sabotaging PAS while Mahfuz said it is up to Hasan to decide if he wants to leave PAS for Umno.
Dimissing speculation that he will exit the party, Hasan said the only reason behind his actions has been to bring the party back to its roots.
"The little Hasan wants to put PAS back on its original base."
He admitted that PAS’ alliance with DAP and PKR is a factor for the party's deviation, and stressed that its agenda - Malays, Islam and the monarchy - is a 'non-negotiable' principle.
It is paramount to other 'secondary principles' such as anti-corruption and closing the gap between the rich and the poor, he said.
"If we can't safeguard our principles when Pakatan is governing four states, what (will happen) when we capture Putrajaya?"
Pressed as to whether PAS should pull out of Pakatan, since its main agenda is not acceptable in the coalition, Hasan remained non-committal.
"I leave it to the party leadership. If you ask my view, it is about Malays, Islam and the monarchy," he added.
Claim denied
At another press conference held by Selangor Pakatan Rakyat in Shah Alam, the state PAS leadership dismissed Hasan's claim.
"In PAS, we have the Majlis Syura. If we (have gone wrong on policy), they will point it out, but thus far no one has been called up," said state commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman.
"The Majlis Syura is made up purely of ulama."
Deputy commissioner Khalid Samad hinted that Hasan is the one who has defected from the party's purpose.
"(Hasan should) return to PAS' struggle which is Islam. He is fighting for Islam, Malays and the monarchy but PAS' constitution has not changed. We fight for Islam, not Islam plus-plus.
"We fight for Islam but Islam will cover the interest of the Malays."
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