Ustaz Hassan a 'walking library'

More than 5,000 people thronged the former PAS headquarters in Taman Melewar, Gombak today to join in the funeral prayer for former PAS deputy president Ustaz Hassan Shukri.

The janazah prayer (prayer for the dead) was led by PAS president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang and attended by PAS top leaders, including Murshidul Am Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat. Also present was minister in the prime minister's department Jamil Khir Baharom.

His body was later laid to rest at the Taman Selasih Muslim cemetery at 10.25 am.

Ustaz Hassan died 2.00 pm yesterday after complaining of chest pains the previous night. He was taken to the Selayang Hospital the next morning.

'Walking library'

Earlier, Hadi described the late Hassan as PAS's "walking library" in view of his vast knowledge of the party's organisation and constitution.

Offering condolences to the late Hassan's family as well as party members, Hadi said Hassan had spent his whole life serving the Islamic cause, and hoped PAS members would emulate the commitment showed by him.

Ustaz Hassan, widely considered an expert of PAS's constitution, had held the posts of Youth leader, vice president and secretary-general, as well as served as a senator at the Dewan Negara following PAS's capture of Terengganu in the 1999 general election.

He had also been instrumental in drafting the constitution of the newly formed PAS wing, PAS Supporters Congress (DHPP), an official platform for non-Muslim supporters of the party.

Ustaz Hassan had been residing next to the former PAS headquarters in Taman Melewar, Gombak, a complex designed by him.