With all the talk about Malay unity, hudud and a possible unity government between PAS and Umno, one wonders if the Islamic party can still use its battle cry of “PAS for All”.

 

PAS central committee member Mujahid Yusof Rawa appeared to concede that his party must be reminded of its constitution, which promotes a Malaysian agenda, if it wants to retain the slogan that is also used to woo non-Muslims to vote for PAS.

 

He said there are 10 out of 12 initiatives where the party is supposed to promote a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-racial agenda, and not a narrow one like Malay unity.

 

Out of the 12 items, there are only two that talk about the party’s Islamic struggle and unity among Muslims, he pointed out.

 

“Even in these two items, there are reminders not to forget to forge close ties among all communities,” Mujahid, who heads the party’s national unity bureau, told Malaysiakini in an interview.

 

“These are very clearly stated in our constitution, but today they (some quarters in PAS) are contradicting these initiatives.

 

“I am telling PAS members, let’s go back to the spirit of the constitution,” stressed the Parit Buntar MP.

 

Umno overtures

Mujahid was referring to overtures made by Umno to lure PAS into its fold, following Umno’s decision not to contest the Chempaka by-election, citing Malay unity as a reason for not contesting.

 

The seat fell vacant on Feb 13 following the death of PAS spiritual leader - and former Kelantan menteri besar - Nik Aziz Nik Mat.

 

PAS vice-presidents Husam Musa ( left ) and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man have rejected the idea of collaborating with Umno, pointing out an earlier attempt that ended badly.

However, some quarters, like Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, have urged PAS to speedily accept the proposal of a unity government with Umno, as it is “good for Islam”.

Such talk also followed PAS’ insistence on implementing hudud in Kelantan, and the party’s plan to bring it to vote in Parliament, which DAP has firmly opposed.

 

The federal government led by Umno has formed a technical committee to discuss the matter with PAS, much to the chagrin of non-Muslim parties in the country.

 

Mujahid said the slogan ‘PAS for All’ was part of the national unity bureau, which later formed the non-Muslim wing of the party.

 

He praised the party’s leadership for allowing non-Muslims to contest in the previous national elections in 2013.

 

He said the party’s leadership had always had a strong stand against racism.

 

“So members, please be more mature... go back to our constitution and we will be fine,” he said.

 

Instead of focusing on Malay unity, Mujahid said the country should be talking about national unity.

 

“Why say only the Malays should unite? Why not call DAP, PAS, PKR, MCA and MIC? Call everyone and talk about national unity instead of just calling PAS,” he chided Umno, which has been making overtures to lure PAS to its side.

 

“Would it solve problems with the economy? For me, ‘Malay unity’ is only to serve for Umno's survival. Unity in Malaysia involves every race in the country and not just the Malays,” he added.

 

Mujahid said his father, the late Yusof Rawa, one of the founders of PAS, believed in national unity and that PAS and Islam can provide the way.

 

His leadership was very crucial for the transformation of PAS, and in Yusof Rawa’s era, the Islamic scholars (ulama) in the party were open to discussion and dialogue.

 

Fierce infighting

He attributed the fierce infighting between PAS members to the coming party muktamar (general assembly) in June, during which the delegates will vote for a new leadership.

 

PAS delegates vote biennially. Its president, Abdul Hadi Awang ( right ), has not been challenged since 2001.

 

Hadi, often viewed as a conservative Islamic leader, took over PAS leadership after the death of former party president Fadzil Noor.

 

Mujahid observed that arguments or debates among members this time have been based on principles, where one group wants to defend the party’s principles while another wants to “dilute” it.

 

He said there are two conflicting positions. One faction strongly and publicly supports the party’s alliance in Pakatan Rakyat, while the other - the ulama group - appeared less keen.

 

“In the past, it used to be all about a leader's performance,” he brooded.

 

However Mujahid said no matter how fierce the debate, it should not lead to disunity within the party.

 

For example, the attacks against PAS leaders deemed to be progressives within the party, such as deputy president Mohamad Sabu and central committee member Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli ( right ), would destroy the party, not unite it, he added.

 

Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, was allegedly heard in a recent audio recording discussing plans to topple Hadi, while Hatta has been condemned by a group of members from Pahang, for a similar stance.

 

“I can go against an issue in the party but that does not mean I am destroying the party,” said Mujahid.

 

“There should be healthy debate from all sides to express their opinions and let the members decide. I suggested this long ago.

 

“I propose that whoever is challenging or aspiring for any post should be given the chance to share their mission, vision, and plans for the party. This is better than trying to destroy one another.”