PAS grassroots in Selangor are concerned with the ongoing talk that the party has banned well-known religious speakers from giving ceramah (open rally) at its function in the state.

A concerned member from Kelana Jaya told malaysiakini today that he was informed by a fellow member from Klang that the party has 'banned' certain speakers including famous freelance religious speaker Shahril Long and lawyer Zulkifli Nordin.

"We were surprised as these speakers are well-known supporters of the party. We have tried to get more information but none of the top brass in the party could confirm anything," said the youth who declined to be named.

When contacted, PAS Selangor deputy commissioner Abdul Ghani Shamsuddin said while such a 'ban' was not yet in force, the state's party leaders were mulling the proposal.

"We thought of the idea (the ban) as we feel there is a need for a different approach. This is normal because we always want to improve the way we work. But there has been no concrete decision. It is a non-issue," he said.

He said a clear explanation would be given to members to justify such a directive if enforced.

Image perception

However, a PAS division chief from Klang claimed that Abdul Ghani may be 'unaware' of the ban which he said was not new but a mere 're-emphasis of an old decision'.

"This has been decided long before when we thought of ways to re-brand the party's image. Members should not be surprised," he said adding the ban on these certain speakers would not apply to private functions.

"These speakers are not to participate in official PAS functions. That's all. They still can give ceramah at private functions among members. I don't think that is a problem."

He said the decision was part of PAS' Selangor efforts towards building a positive perception of the party especially among non-Muslims.

"The state leaders believe some speakers are just not suitable for the crowd in Selangor because of the words they use and their image. Some of the things they say would make non-Muslims uncomfortable."

"But at the same time we can't tell the speakers what they can or cannot say because we have no control over their speech. So the best way is to avoid inviting them to our official functions," the division leader reasoned.

Not strong reason

Zulkifli Nordin, when contacted, hoped that PAS Selangor would come up with a proper reason should they decide to 'ban' him and other speakers.

"I think it is only proper that the party explain to us and respect our right to a defence. We must be given a chance to answer whatever allegations.

"For me personally, I think I have contributed much for PAS Selangor. I even stood for election on their ticket in the Kuala Langat constituency."

As for the use of strong words during his ceramah , the lawyer claimed that this was not a strong reason to ban any speaker.

"If my line of talk is too strong or harsh, then I would think many leaders in the party from top to bottom would have to be banned too!" he said.