Former Selangor PAS commissioner Hasan Ali he will not take part in the Jan 9 rally at the Jalan Duta court complex when PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s Sodomy II trial verdict is due to be delivered.

“I have a conscience and I will not attend. I have told my children not to attend.”

Hasan also advised university students who would be sitting for their examinations during this period to skip the rally.

“Although there is a directive by Selangor PAS commissioner Dr Rani Osman for members to attend, I feel this is inappropriate.

“I checked before coming to this press conference, and no other state PAS commissioner has issued such a directive.

pkr taman ehsan selayang ceramah 020810 hasan ali“There is also no directive issued by the national party leadership to attend. Hence, I will not be attending,” Hasan (right) said in reference to the “901 Free Anwar” planned for Monday.

He views Selangor PAS under Rani’s leadership as pro-active for all the wrong reasons; for being ahead than the national PAS leadership in wanting to attend the Jan 9 rally.

“I feel Rani’s statement that party members and supporters should attend the rally is his personal opinion. It is not Selangor PAS' views.

“I am told that not all members, either in its Dewan Harian or state PAS leaders, know of Rani’s statement. This is a big matter, the intention is big and hence, it should be a single person’s decision.”

Contrasting with the Himpun rally against apostasy, Hasan said Rani had called for non-participation by PAS members.

Students should focus on their studies

“In Anwar’s case, it involves an individual, and therefore, in society’s view, and party members' and supporters' view it is not worth attending.

“A lot of pondering and thinking needs to be done, as such an action (the gathering) will bring big implications and cause embarassment to the party and our children if we go ahead and push our members to attend.

“I have not seen any statement from other national PAS leaders to attend but there is only one PJ (pesuruhjaya) who is asking members to attend. It is odd,” added Hasan.

Hasan admitted that Anwar’s trial had been going on for three years and six months.

“I have had the opportunity to study overseas and the focus was on the substance of the issue. Can you calculate the man hours involved in looking into this case, and we are at a loss.

“What should be done, after 54 years of independence, we should build this nation to surpass Korea and Taiwan, but because we are obsessed with other things... this has affected our growth.

“Do not let personal issues become societal issues and affect the nation.

“The court has given all avenues to Anwar, according to my observation and research. There have been 60 postponements and there is no limitation to the number of witness called.

“In my personal view, there is not much that we can dispute on what the court has done,” he added

Special operation on New Year's eve

A former academician and former Biro Tatanegara chief, Hasan said students should concentrate on their studies and not be buoyed by whatever that will happen to Anwar.

“Concentrate on your studies and your future. I understand most universities, like Universiti Malaya, Universiti Industri Selangor, Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, are having their examinations during this period. Concentrate on that, and make the best of what you can.

“I pity Anwar, but he should not make his personal issue a national issue and drag others into it. Secondary school students should also remain in schools and not jeopardise their studies,” Hasan said.

He said he is extremely worried that if the society continues with such culture (rally), there would be lawlessness and anarchy.

“When there is anarchy, there will be struggle for power and there will be lawlessness. A country without rules and regulations.

“I do not want to see Pakatan Rakyat gaining power to rule, and there would be elements of anarchy in the country’s administration.”

Earlier, he said he led a special operation on New Year’s eve in nine districts.

“We managed to arrest 234 people (117 couples), and the biggest number committing khalwat (close proximity) was in Gombak.

“Those arrested were between 16 and 50 years’ old, and we mounted operations on eight budget hotels in each district and two five-star hotels,” he revealed.

Hasan explained at the five-star hotels, his team managed to apprehend 10 people who were drinking alcohol beverages, and 46 people in the pubs.

“The 10 will be charged in court while the 46 will be given counselling,” he said, adding the religious authority will mount more such operations in the future.


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