The PAS ulama council has thrown its weight behind Selangor exco member Hasan Ali, despite talk that he may be dropped as an election candidate, and a PAS vice-president suggesting that he leaves the party.              

The council's chief Harun Taib told Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia that there was no reason not to include Hasan, “who is a good and committed leader”, in the candidate's list for the coming general election.

“PAS and Harun will always need each other, meaning that PAS still needs him and he still needs PAS,” the daily reported today.

Harun also denied speculation that Hasan would not be fielded in the election, as that decision was yet to be made by the party leadership.

pas muktamar 2004 270804 harun taib greeting "All these are incorrect (allegations). Since when was he dropped?

"Now, we have yet to decide on the placement of our candidates.

"There is no reason for us to drop him,” said Harun ( centre in photo ).

The paper also reported that PAS Youth had previously expressed support for the embattled Selangor exco member for Islamic affairs.

Last week, Selangor PAS information chief Saari Sungib told Malaysiakini that Hasan did not receive enough nominations to defend his Gombak Setia legislative assembly seat.

Hasan also came under fire from party vice-president Mahfuz Omar and secretary-general Mustafa Al i yesterday, after he said he was prepared to accept an invitation from Najib to discuss the issue of uniting Malays and Muslims, including PAS and Umno.

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