The PAS non-Muslim supporters wing today expressed its disappointment that it is still not allowed to vote in the party's elections.

“The supporters wing is also a PAS wing [...] PAS is our house but if our own household does not allow us to vote, how will other parties respect us?” delegate Asokan Promal said when debating the president's policy speech at PAS ongoing 61st muktamar in Kuala Selangor today.

He also expressed disappointment that the non-Muslims supporters wing was not getting the attention it deserves.

“We are a PAS asset as said by the president himself but why are we always sidelined?” he asked further.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang ( photo ) had mentioned in his speech yesterday that urgent attention needed to be given to the supporters wing.

Asokan's speech comes amidst concerns whether the newly-elected PAS leadership, made up almost entirely of ulama (religious scholars) would sideline non-Muslim support by abandoning Pakatan Rakyat.

'No need to convert'

Asokan, however, assured that the wing still supported the party's leadership.

“We still stand firm with the president in upholding the party's policies and struggles, forever,” he said.

He also dismissed misconceptions that those who joined the supporters wing would have to convert to Islam.

“Many non-Muslims think that when you join the supporters wing you have to convert to Islam. That is wrong. That is not PAS' or Islam's way.

“In the Quran, Verse Six of Surah Al-Kafirun says lakum dinukum waliyadin meaning  'To you your faith, to me, mine,” Asokan said to loud applause from the delegates and observers who then promptly shouted 'Allahuakbar'.

The PAS Supporters wing is made up of non-Muslims who back the Islamist party. It started out as a club but was given full wing status in 2010.