PRM makes clear stand: No to Islamic state

comments     Susan Loone     Published     Updated

Parti Rakyat Malaysia today reiterated its stand that it does not accept the concept of an Islamic state or the imposition of beliefs, by political elites, on people of other races and religion.

PRM president Dr Syed Husin Ali said the concept of an Islamic state itself does not exist in the Quran, PAS' constitution or the Federal constitution.

Syed Husin said that while PAS had agreed to clarify its version of an Islamic state, it still has not done so. He conceded that the confusion has resulted in "lies and slander" hurled by certain quarters against PAS to weaken the Barisan Alternatif (BA).

"PAS' concept of the Islamic state is still not clear and has created a lot of misunderstanding. It is feared by a majority of non-Muslims and a group of Muslims," he said, in his presidential speech at the party's 35th Congress in Kuala Lumpur.

"It is most unfortunate that the issue of hudud laws has been used by some quarters as political football to obtain victory," he added.

About 200 delegates attended the party's 35th national congress in Kuala Lumpur today. Among the guests were Keadilan president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, secretary-general Sahri Bahri, supreme council member Ng Lum Yong and Wanita chief Fuziah Salleh.

Democratic Action Party central committee member and Seputeh member of Parliament Teresa Kok, Pas vice-president Dr Hassan Ali, Parti Rakyat Insan Malaysia pro-tem committee secretary general P Uthayakumar and Parti Socialis Malaysia pro-tem committee member V Selvam were also present.

Although this is election year for delegates to determine the party's leadership, this may also be PRM's last congress as it is expected to merge with Keadilan by the end of the year.

Hudud proposal hurried

On the recent controversy over the proposed Hudud laws by the Terengganu state government, Syed Husin said he does not understand why it has to be implemented in such a hurry.

"Even the other parties in BA were not given the chance to study the political implications of the law before hand," he lamented.

"PAS leaders repeatedly say that those who oppose the Act do not understand Islamic law. But, why have they not explained and discussed the matter to promote the understanding?" he queried.

Syed Husin said that if PAS felt that it does not need to discuss the issue with its allies in BA and believed that the concept of an Islamic state and hudud law can strengthen the party, this would complicate relationships between BA parties.

He added that if PAS wished only to maintain or enhance its support in the predominantly Malay constituencies, then it would mean that the party is not very concerned about its role in national politics.

"If this is true, it is important for BA to quickly evaluate itself and decide on a new and better way for all opposition parties to fight Barisan Nasional effectively in the coming general elections," said Syed Husin.

However, Syed Husin said that if PAS manages to obtain a two thirds in Parliament (although it is unlikely) it must continue to implement the 1999 Common Manifesto agreed by all BA component parties.

He added that if Pas insists on setting up an Islamic state on its own, the party must conduct a referendum to ensure that the majority of the people support their view.

Fair comment

In an immediate response, Dr Hassan said that Syed Husin's comment on the Islamic state issue and on PAS was "fair".

Hassan said the comment will not compromise PAS relationship with PRM or vice-versa.

On the need for a referendum, he added that it was applicable to all systems of governance.

Meanwhile, Sahri said PAS' Islamic state and hudud law proposals should be given a chance to be "worked out" rather than become an "over politicised" issue as PAS has given the assurance that its governance will be based on the principles of justice.

"Naturally with all the publicity and close monitoring by other parties and non-government organisations, they (PAS) have to ensure they do not discriminate others," he added.



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