Hasan Ali to form Jati as new 'third force'

Hasan Ali will set up a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Jati to fight for Islam, Malay rights and the Malay rulers.

The former Selangor exco member rejected speculation that he would join other political parties following his sacking by PAS on Jan 8.

"People asked whether I will join Umno or PKR. I will not join other political parties but will join an NGO called Jati," he told reporters after a rally in Shah Alam last night.

Hasan admitted that he still loved PAS and would try to rid the party of  "parasites" out to destroy its original struggle.

He said that if he were still a member of PAS, he would like the party president Abdul Hadi Awang to continue to lead the party.

On Jati, he said the NGO will be launched on Feb 21 and urged other NGOs to merge to form a 'third force' that would offset Barisan Nasional (BN) and opposition parties PAS, PKR and DAP at 13th general election.

"We need a middle force that will determine who will form the next government."

Asked whether the 'third force' will oppose or support the government, Hasan said he is still thinking about the direction to be taken by Jati.

"We are the 'third force' and will contest on this premise and are not bothered whether we compete with or against political parties," he added.

- Bernama