Hasan Ali, the PAS exco member from PAS in Selangor, has proved to be a liability not only to PAS but to the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

His earlier antics of trying to ban alcohol sale in Muslim majority area not only caused a furore among the non-Muslims but such a drastic act coming just a few months after being elected must have disappointed a lot of PAS non-Malay supporters.

Many, especially the non-Malays, thought that PAS would make a better alternative to the dominant Umno party, but with its latest antics people are now questioning the wisdom of allowing PAS to gain a foothold.

If PAS leadership fails to restrain Hasan and the likes of him bellowing the implementation of Taliban-like measures then PAS can be assured of the erosion of support from the non-Malays in the next election.

Balancing the likes of Hasan Ali, however, are some good PAS members. Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat, the spiritual leader of PAS, has been a shining example of moderation. But what can a few good men do when the majority of PAS members remain silent in the face of Hasan's provocative stance?

PAS leadership must now find the courage to espouse a more gentle face of Islam in order not only to win the trust of the non-Malays but also to consolidate their Malay support.