Monday, June 04, 2007

Dr Hassan: Members busy labelling each other

KOTA BARU: Outgoing PAS vice-president Datuk Dr Hassan Ali caused a stir when he alleged that members were busy labelling each other as either secularists or ulama.

He said as his parents were religious scholars, he was disappointed at being branded a secularist.

“Labelling is an insult to members as PAS is an Islamist party whose constitution touches on the struggle for an Islamic Government and not secularism,” he said at the close of the muktamar here yesterday.

Dr Hassan, a three-term vice-president and renowned motivational speaker, said he was upset over the manner the party election was conducted.

“Once every two years, we face a contest.

“In the name of democracy, we support it but if it causes much anguish until one suffers recurring nightmares then we should find the noblest approach as espoused by Islam through syurah (consultation).

“If the Dewan Ulama should adopt the syurah approach in determining its leadership then why can’t the main organ follow,” he said, adding that PAS could use a merit system when voting for its future leaders.

Party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang told a press conference that although the party had adopted the syurah system, contests must be held based on the constitution and the requirements of the Registrar of Societies.

PAS Election director Datuk Mustafa Ali offered a bleak scenario saying only five states were about 70% ready for the polls while the rest were not even half prepared.

He also said that PAS members continued to regard both the Barisan Nasional and DAP as the enemy.

“I know you are not comfortable with the DAP but between the two evils, the DAP is the lesser evil,” he said.

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