PAS central committee member Mujahid Yusof Rawa has dismissed allegations that his latest book ‘Towards a New PAS' was meant to question Islam or create public confusion over the party's principles.

It appears that the controversial book is currently creating waves, threatening to expose a crack between the ulamas in PAS and the young turks.

PAS mujahid But Mujahid ( left ), who is Parit Buntar MP, said that the current debate over his book is meant to strengthen the party, and not destroy it.

He said he wanted to clarify that although Islam should not be questioned, the party's organisation can be criticised so long as it is constructive.

He claimed that the 194-page publication, which is partly based on his thesis, did not question the principles behind PAS struggles but merely touched on the party's organisational aspects needing improvement.

"My book is an effort to look forward to PAS' future by taking into account the party's 50 years struggle...it has gone through various phases and this book is my hope for the future of the party's organisation which the young generation must think about and should be widely known," he said.

Promoting a culture of openness

He added that any confusion arising from certain terms used in the book can be clarified through organising healthy discussion or talk so a culture of openness towards differing opinions can be encouraged.

"Making a decision (about my book) without prior discussion is not healthy, and will not bring us a society that is mature and transparent".

NONE In defence of his book, Mujahid was referring to a Bernama Dec 29 news report titled ‘PAS Ulama Council rejects Mujahid's Book'.

The report quoted the council's deputy chief Yusuf Mahmud as saying that Mujahid's book was ‘unnecessary, especially when it was voiced out by "someone who considers himself a PAS member".

Yusuf had reportedly said he rejected Mujahid's idea to transform the concept of the ulama' leadership as practised by PAS for the last two decades.

He added that PAS is not weak because of the ulamas, that it should be strengthened, and not transformed into any other concept.

He allegedly claimed that the publication of the book was an attempt to confuse the public about the party's struggles based on Islam.

He charged that the author was trying to instil hatred in the community towards the ulama leadership by saying that PAS should be nationalised.

Mujahid thanked the Kedah Ulama Council for their feedback, saying he was open to constructive criticism to improve the party's organisation.

Standing firm on own views

As a PAS central committee member, Mujahid said he was responsible for contributing his ideas for the betterment of the party.

That the views contained in the book were merely his opinions, and he would be very honoured if it benefited the party, he added.

"If it doesn't, I would still be happy because I have tried to visualise PAS' future and I am confident the party would be mainstream in this country," he said.

"My confidence in the party has not waned by the decision by the Kedah Ulama Council," he added.

On whether his response would whip up a storm between the PAS central committee and the ulamas or state leadership, Mujahid replied that the book does not represent the former.

However, he admitted that other sectors, including academicians or religious scholars, may react or respond to the current debate on his book, adding that he welcomed such a development.