Former Selangor PAS chief Hasan Mohd Ali has withdrawn his criticisms against the party and apologised for his remarks during a meeting with top party leaders in Kota Baru last night.

According to the Harakah Daily website, the meeting also involved party president Abdul Hadi Awang, PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat and his deputy Haron Din.

“I am thankful (to God) that Hasan has shown humility in apologising and withdrawing negative statements made against the party.

“It is not easy for someone to admit to a mistake and apologise, thus his actions have touched me. I hope others who have such problems to be open like Hasan,” Nik Aziz is quoted as saying.

He was speaking to reporters after visiting a beach erosion site at Pantai Irama, Bachok today.

Nik Aziz said the meeting was organised by the PAS headquarters and took place at the menteri besar's official residence, better known locally as JKR 10.

“Had they not, I would have asked him (for a meeting anyway),” said Nik Aziz, who has been Kelantan menteri besar since 1990.

Matter 'resolved'

For Nik Aziz, the row between Hasan and several PAS leaders has been resolved.

“I will be having a small kenduri at the state government complex today as a way to give thanks to the resolution of this matter,” he said.

However, in a statement released late today, Hasan denied that he went to Kota Bharu to apologise to top PAS leaders on his remarks against the party.

He said he had already retracted his criticism of PAS' welfare state platfrom at a press conference on Dec 24 and apologised to the party leaders over the matter.

“Among the things touched upon during the gathering were the party's direction, preparation for the 13th General Election and Harakah's path as the party's official voice," he said.

The latest row involving Hasan revolves around his candidacy in the next general election.

Malaysiakini had reported that Hasan’s chances of defending the Gombak Setia state assembly seat were slim because he had not received enough nominations from party branches.

What followed was a series of stinging criticisms against the party leadership and the trading of barbs with party secretary-general Mustafa Ali.