LETTER | S Thayaparan is a friend and a good writer. His lengthy column published in Malaysiakini is brilliant. He asked how I can carry water for PAS?

He quoted many things I had said about PAS many years ago that were critical of theocratic or ulama leadership. All of them are correct.

For many years, I believed PAS would not be suitable to govern the country because they were talking of the traditional concept of an Islamic state. PAS would not have been suitable for the Malays, either, if they had pursued that model.

Today, PAS’ idea of an Islamic state has evolved; one that addresses inequality, wealth redistribution, and unjust laws.

References to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s recent speeches would point to that trajectory.

PAS is no longer that party of the 90s. It has now become a democratic party seeking the mandate of the people of all races to govern the country.

It is no longer a party of clerics. It has many members who are ordinary Malays. Many of them are highly educated, technocrats, and professionals in various fields.

The party suffers from its past image, but that can be sorted out.

PAS did not ask me to disavow my views about them before accepting me. They did not ask for a confession of my errors. They accepted me for who I am, and I accepted them for what they are today.

To be useful to PAS, I need to devote my efforts to alleviating poverty, bringing justice to the people, and, where possible, modernising the country’s administration. PAS is the platform most suitable for my plans.

I do not have to change the party’s governing philosophy, be in the syura council, or undertake a wholesale change in the president’s views. There is enough space in PAS for me to do what I can, and within my means, to help the country.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.