PAS MUKTAMAR | PAS has been urged to upgrade its supporters' wing to a non-Muslim affairs department in order to strengthen its efforts in engaging the target group.

Kelantan PAS delegate Hassan Mohamood told the party's 64th muktamar (annual general assembly) that this would help non-Muslims better understand Islam through party programmes.

"Non-Muslims (who are close to Islam), like Cikgu Rashid, are the result of PAS' Membangun Bersama Islam (Developing With Islam) policy.

"It is okay if they do not want to embrace Islam, as there is no coercion for people to become Muslim.

"That is why I am proposing that the DHPP (PAS supporters' wing) is upgraded. We must have a non-Muslim affairs department dedicated to engage the group, so that the non-Muslims can understand our religion," Hassan said in his debate speech at the muktamar, which was held at the indoor stadium of the Terengganu Sports Complex in Gong Badak, Terengganu.

Cikgu Rashid is a nickname for PAS supporters' wing leader Lau Chin Chua, who is well-loved by party members, especially in Kelantan.

Hassan said if the new department can carry out continuous programmes, it could bring back the support of non-Muslim voters to PAS and ensure victory in the 15th general election.

The PAS supporters' wing, also known as DHPP, is PAS' arm that rallies its non-Muslims supporters, who get associate membership in the Islamist party.

Its main task is to spread information about PAS and Islam to non-Muslims in the country.