Newly elected Terengganu PAS government announced today that it would lift the ban on pig farms in the state. "Non-Muslims have the right to rear pigs," Menteri Besar Abdul Hadi Awang told malaysiakini .

Since 1990, the Barisan Nasional-controlled state government had banned pig farms, claiming that there was not enough land for such activities. A resident of Terengganu who requested anonymity said that the state's only legal pig farm was subsequently closed without any compensation.

According to Hadi Awang, the BN policy which was imposed after the 1990 elections was to garner Muslims votes and not for any religious reason.

However, he stressed that the right to rear pigs would be given on a number of conditions. The farmers, he said, would have to ensure that their farms are clean and free from diseases, and that the farms are located in an area that would not offend the sensitivities of the Muslims.

"They need to find a suitable place," he said.

The lifting of the ban would mean that the non-Muslims community in Terengganu would soon enjoy cheaper and better quality pork. At present, pork is being shipped from Kelantan.

Malaysian Chinese Associations 17-point Elections Appeal Committee secretary Ser Choon Ing said that the decision to lift the pig-farm ban proved that PAS had learned the importance of respecting non-Muslim rights.

"PAS is not necessary more Islamic than BN," he said. Nevertheless, he urged PAS not to implement Islamic policies on non-Muslims.

Meanwhile, Hadi Awang said the kharraj proposal, a land tax for non-Muslims, was still being examined by the state government. He added that non-Muslims would be given a choice should the kharraj be imposed.

"It is up to the non-Muslims to choose whether they prefer paying the kharraj or the current land tax," he said. "No one will force them.