I refer to the Malaysiakini report Hadi to stay on as PAS president .

It would be wise for PAS to open its membership to all Malaysians, irrespective of race or religion. PAS does not need special PAS Supporters Clubs or wings comprising the non-Muslim. Allow all Malaysians to become PAS members if they desire to do so.

After all, Islam is for all. Islam as a religion does not segregate people by race or religion. Historically, even the Jews were never persecuted under any Islamic rule. They were well- protected under the Muslims and lived harmoniously with their Muslim brothers.

In the Malaysian context, the state of Kelantan has shown an exemplary harmonious society where we observe the Muslims and non-Muslims living together without much animosity. PAS opening its door to all races and religion will be a pragmatic move by a political party in a multi-racial country like Malaysia.

The perception of Malaysians towards PAS would be an instantly buoyed by this move. The people now do not have to be a Muslim to subscribe to an Islamic party’s struggle. Those who believe in the struggle of this political party are welcome to become members now. Even if they do not become members, they can still vote for PAS during elections.

This ‘feel-affection-for-PAS’ syndrome is not a new observable fact. In actuality, many non- Muslims in the past have voted for PAS in elections. The people in Kelantan – Muslims and non-Muslims – cherish PAS and the majority have voted for PAS under the dutiful leadership of Nik Aziz Nik Mat. This affection for PAS has trickled down to many regions in the country.

If PAS can remain a moderate Islamic party, the people will go all out to vote the party in. PAS now should attract more professional and educated Malaysians to bring the party to greater heights. The trend towards this has been set.

The people in general are now anxious to see a two-coalition political system in the country. PAS could now play a pragmatic role in Pakatan Rakyat to bring greater cooperation and prosperity to the country.

Unlike Umno, when PAS opens its doors to non-Malays, non-Muslims and non-bumiputeras, the party will truly reflect the aspiration of a ‘1Malaysia’. PAS will be in a better political position than Umno to win the hearts of all Malaysians. As for its coalition members, DAP and PKR, they are essentially multi-racial.

The Pakatan coalition will soon be a full-fledged multiracial entity. This bodes well for the country. Maturity has now prevailed among politicians as they can sense the need for such an entity in this societal foundation of ours.

The next step would be for PAS to bring about a much desired paradigm change. Get more professionals and the educated to become the think-tank for the party to face economic and social challenges in this global era. PAS leaders should outwit the serving government when it comes to economic prowess and changes.

PAS cannot remain a party that only talks about petty social issues affecting some groups of people. Trivial and sensitive issues should best be discussed at the party level in an inclusive manner. There has to be a huge paradigm change at the economics level. PAS already has capable leaders in its fold who can execute this job.

It, however, should further metamorphose into a party that has concrete blueprints for the economical, education and social issues affecting the society. Religion can be better professed if it can also bring about material benefits for the people. Faith in religion does not mean that the people have to be satiated just with religious rhetoric. Religion should be seen as a vehicle that brings about social justice to people and economic well-being to the nation.

The economy is affecting the people’s livelihood. Society is crumbling due to a lack of moral or religious virtues. Education today is merely a paper-chase route to life – most ‘graduates’ are without the desired knowledge and end up being ineffective and unemployed. The ‘illiterate’ among the literate graduates abound these days. They carry with them scrolls but many are not up to the mark.

Education remains a process but nothing tangible can be tapped out of these graduates. Corruption is breaking the foundation of our society. Individuals are draining the institutions they are entrusted to protect. Corruption has affected almost every level of our society in the midst of never-ending talks about religion and moral values. Speechifying on corruption and integrity alone will not change society.

The people need realistic ways and there must be political will to overcome this scourge – the spate that has made the rich richer and the poor poorer. The people see injustice all around them. Power is corrupting the leaders. Crime is destroying society; people live in fear of crime because the social and economic systems are in turmoil. Religion without faith is insufficient.

Faith is significant to make people think and act within the framework set by the religion. Mere lip service will do nothing to change the tattered fabric of our society.

It’s always wise to have truly God-fearing people to be in power. PAS can show the path to all people that there can be justice in the governance of a country. If PAS can pave the way, Muslims and the non-Muslims alike would be ever ready to vote them into power. Social and economic parities are the craving of all people in the country now, irrespective of race or religion.

They want justice to be done and not mere fiery rhetoric by politicians who want to fish for votes. PAS, fortunately, is rejuvenating and is now heading in the right direction towards becoming more relevant in the Malaysian political scene.