Selangor PAS commissioner Hasan Ali has today vehemently denied that his meeting with Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria was related to the controversial PAS-Umno unity talks.

While conceding that he did meet with Harussani two months ago, Hasan however said the meeting was in his capacity as a Selangor executive councillor whose portfolio includes Islamic affairs and Malay customs.

hasan ali umno pas selangor talk quality hotel 300708 02 “I have not been given any mandate by my party to discuss the issue of unity, and there was no specific agenda (at the meeting) to discuss the matter,” he stressed in a statement released today.

Hasan ( left ) also pointed out that the meeting was held a day before the National Council for Islamic Affairs, which was chaired by Prime Minister Najib Razak.

“I have been asked to represent the state government at the council meeting,” said Hasan, adding that his meeting with Harussani was part of his preparation for the council.

Under fire

The PAS leader, who is seen to favour working with arch-rival Umno, has apparently came under intense fire over the meeting.

Harussani Zakaria Harussani ( right ) has earlier offered himself to be a mediator in efforts to “unite the Muslims and Malays” in the country.

According to the Perak mufti, leaders from PAS and Umno had approached him recently to discuss and seek his views on ways of uniting the two largest Malay-based political parties in the country.

In his statement, Hasan urged his detractors in the party who are against the unity talks not to waste time on the issue.

“Let’s focus our energy and thoughts to face the challenges of the 13th general election which is expected to be held soon,” he said.

Hasan is expected to be quizzed at the Selangor PAS meeting tomorrow.