Conservative groups are still angry with the pat-a-dog event for Muslims, demanding action against the organisers despite their apology.

"I denounce Syed Azmi Alhabshi, who only apologised and the government just let him off. This should not happen.

"Sorry is sorry, but the government must be tough in taking action," today's issue of Malay daily Sinar Harian quotes Martabat Jalinan Muhibah Malaysia (MJMM) president Abdul Rani Kulup Abdullah as saying.

Syed Azmi had organised the event in a bid to break the taboo among Muslims about coming in contact with dogs but this had sparked outrage among conservatives.

On a separate matter, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said action would be taken against party members who support Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (Pasma).

"When we receive complaints from the states, we wil wait (for the next course of action)," Hadi is quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

He said this when asked to respond to Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who said there was no need for PAS to ban its members from taking part in Pasma's activities , and Pasma pesident Phahrolrazi Zawiwi, who said PAS' syura council had no power to impose such a ban.

Pasma was formed by pro-Pakatan Rakyat members in PAS following a rift the anti-Pakatan faction, which came to the fore during the Selangor menteri besar crisis.

In another report, Umno Youth executive council member Dazma Shah Daud branded social activist Ali Abd Jalil a coward Ali fled to Sweden after several charges under the Sedition Act were levelled against him.

"He is willing to run to Sweden for political protection, supposedly because Malaysia ill-treated him. But he does not realise he has done a huge mistake by insulting the royal institution?

"I see this to be the action of a coward who dares not face trial for his wrongdoing. If he is right, why is he afraid?" Dazma asked.