While Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia was calling state exco member Hasan Ali "Selangor's saviour", a group of MCA senators took a completely different stance, urging PAS and the state government to take action against the controversial politician.

NONE In a joint statement released today, seven MCA senators including Negeri Sembilan MCA chief Dr Yeow Chai Thiam ( right ), MCA Wanita secretary-general Chew Lee Giok and Federal Territory MCA Youth chief Chiew Lian Keng questioned the inaction by both PAS and the Selangor state government over Hasan’s violation of Pakatan Rakyat’s policies.

They pointed out that prior to the anti-apostasy organisers staging the first Himpunan Sejuta Umat (Himpun) rally on Oct 22, the PAS central working committee (CWC) had ordered a ban on PAS members from participating in it.

"But paradoxically, PAS also wielded a caveat that they would not forbid its members from attending in a personal capacity or as NGO representatives.

"This caveat allowing PAS members to attend in their personal capacity shows that PAS was never sincere in barring their members from attending.

"Their CWC’s decision is a mere facade to shield their party’s endorsement of the event.

himpun rally crowd front "Abusing this loophole, Hasan attended the first Himpun rally in his so-called personal capacity and even took to the rostrum to speak.

"However, PAS information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man then absolved Hasan of any responsibility for his action, claiming that his attendance was in his personal capacity,” read the statement.

Had the PAS panel taken disciplinary action against Hasan earlier on, they said, he and other PAS members would not be so emboldened as to participate in yesterday’s Himpun rally in Kuala Kangsar.

‘Hypocricy became more obvious’

"The hypocrisy of this theocratic party became more obvious in that PAS tries to placate both the Muslim and non-Muslim audiences.

"Considering that many non-Muslim supporters have ditched PAS given the latter’s insistence of imposing its version of hudud law on everyone, thereby subjugating women’s rights while the rights of non-Muslims will also be eroded, PAS realises that they have to appear to distance themselves from Himpun.

"However, PAS also is wary that their Muslim followers will abandon their sinking ship if they are perceived to be harsh on Hasan by taking disciplinary action on him or other PAS members who attended," said the senators.

They then questioned why the Islamic party chose to keep Hasan in the party when it announced three days ago that Hasan could leave PAS.

“Considering that Hasan is a Selangor exco member, similarly the non-action by the Selangor state government is indicative of tacit approval of Himpun.

“Why aren’t PKR’s Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and other state exco members dropping Hasan from the state administration’s line-up?”

The seven MCA leaders also condemned the reported allegations Hasan had made against Christian organisations, which were used by him as a convenient bogeyman to divert attention away from PAS’ hardline policies.

azlan “His claims of ‘infiltration’ (by Christian groups into Muslim community) are meant to stir up sensationalism but where is the evidence to verify his provocative accusations which will divide the rakyat?

“To garner voter support, political parties, especially Pakatan Rakyat, must not indulge in the politics of hate or bigotry to secure more ballot slips.”

They also trained their guns at Pakatan exco members - DAP’s Teresa Kok and PKR’s Elizabeth Wong - for failing to disapprove of Hasan’s extremist leanings which sow distrust among multi-religious Malaysians.

“All these point to DAP’s and PKR’s unwritten approval for PAS’ hudud cause.

"In view that the first Himpun rally was staged at the Shah Alam stadium which comes under the state’s purview, the Selangor state government could easily have denied Himpun’s organisers permission for its usage.”

Hasan Ali - a clear and present danger