Perak PAS has assured representatives of 18 churches in the Kinta Valley that the party practises “politics of hope” for all, unlike Umno which has harped on the “politics of fear” to divide and rule.

NONE State deputy commissioner Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said this at a two-hour closed- door dialogue with the religious groups in Ipoh late yesterday.

 

The party was also represented by another deputy commissioner Khairuddin Abdul Malek, state information chief Khalil Idham Lim Abdullah, Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Lubuk Merbau assemblyperson Mohd Zainuddin Mohd Yusof.

After the session, Nizar said he hoped the session has cleared the air and that Christian leaders better understand PAS.

NONE He then took Umno to task for having told Sibu voters that a vote for DAP would be a vote for PAS, and that Sarawak would be made an Islamic state.

Reverent Herbert D John (left) of the Tamil Methodist Church of Ipoh told Malaysiakini that several issues were raised for clarification during the dialogue.

These included the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims; conversion cases in relation to custody of children and division of matrimonial property; the issuance of fatwa (religious decrees); and whether PAS is likely to hold extreme views in time to come.

‘Hold more sessions’

Reverent Dr Teoh Soong Kee of St Peters Church (Green Town) said the group had been briefed on the positive elements of Islam, covering justice, fairness and good values including the recognition of all religions.

Teoh said he now has a better understanding of PAS and Islam, and suggested another meeting.

NONE “We are not supposed to be associated with the partisan politics of any political party but we are open to any dialogue session on issues that affect the public - especially involving our Christian faith in practice and our rights,” he said.

He said he is happy that PAS is ready to hold such dialogues with the Christian community, to build on the inaugural session led last year by party spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Teoh, however, is unhappy that the federal government has rejected the creation of an inter-faith council to resolve religious issues.

He said certain quarters have made a big issue of the proposal and expressed the view that religion should not be exploited for political mileage.