PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has been left puzzled by Hasan Ali’s personal attack on him yesterday, in responding to the claim that the former Selangor executive councillor had spent RM300,000 on an office upgrade.

NONE "The slander and lies levelled against me yesterday ... I was surprised. (Hasan has) stooped so low in responding to my debate (in the Selangor legislature last week which was) based on the audit report,” Azmin (left) told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

“He was trying to divert the attention of the public instead of responding to the allegation on the ( expenditure )."

While debating the motion of thanks for the royal address in the state assembly last week, Azmin said Hasan had spent the staggering amount while he was exco member for Islamic affairs, Malay customs, infrastructure and public amenities.

Hasan has explained yesterday that the renovated office accommodates 19 staff members. He also pressured Azmin to answer five old allegations that had been denied or discredited.

Azmin retorted that this is not becoming of someone of Hasan's stature, "especially a person who holds a PhD and claims to be the champion of Islam and Malay rights".

"He did not respond to the main question.  Hasan should have instead told us to stop this political play. Instead he promotes gutter politics," he said.

‘Hasan walked out of meeting’

Asked why he had not divulged the details of Hasan spending sooner, Azmin said: "I (explained this) in the state legislature during the debate - a representative of Umno had asked the same question.

“I had to wait for a proper audit report. I don't promote gutter politics even against my political opponents."

NONE He claimed that, when the audit report was first submitted to the state Economic Action Council, Hasan (right) had walked out of the meeting.

In January, PAS had sacked Hasan for going against party interests, and he was later relieved of his portfolio in the Selangor exco. He remains the state assemblyperson for Gombak Setia.

Selangor Menteri Besar has already said no action will be taken against Hasan, as the expenditure had complied with the state treasury procedures.

He has also clarified that the money had been used to build a new office , and not for renovations to the old office as claimed.