Stop calling non-Muslims 'kafir' if you want our support, Hadi told

MCA senator Ti Lian Ker has expressed scepticism over PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's call for Gerakan to convince non-Muslims that Perikatan Nasional will uphold freedom of religion guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

However, Ti offered Hadi a word of advice - start by urging his party members to stop referring to non-Muslims as “kafir” (infidels).

“Hadi has said too many things, too many times for Gerakan to be able to convince non-Muslims to vote for PAS.

“The latest ‘sugar-coated’ words of undertakings to uphold religious freedom and justice are not going to erase non-Muslims’ memories of Hadi demonising them, calling them ‘kafirs’, and also branding Umno as such for working with MCA and MIC.

“Poor Gerakan! They are going to have a daunting task,” said Ti (above).

The MCA leader said moderates in PAS can spearhead the move by stopping their comrades from calling non-Muslims “kafir”.

“This word was used many times in a condescending manner in moments of spikiness or for one-upmanship. Very often, the tone or manner used is both considered offensive and intended to offend.

“In some states, the word ‘kafir’ is regarded as a racial slur, applied pejoratively or offensively,” he added.

“Personally, I will not refer to myself or want to be referred to as ‘kafir’ as I’m not an infidel. I have my beliefs and am a citizen under the Federal Constitution. Our Constitution is the supreme law of the land,” said the former MCA vice-president.

Ti said that other Muslim-dominated parties such as Umno, Bersatu, or Amanah do not lash out at and label non-Muslims the way PAS does.

Pro-tips to win over non-Muslims

Yesterday, Hadi struck a conciliatory tone by saying that PAS would preserve freedom of religion as enshrined under the Federal Constitution.

“PAS must win over non-Muslims in GE16. In fact, we will continue to preserve freedom of religion and ensure justice, as enshrined under the Federal Constitution.”

Responding to Hadi, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng made three suggestions to the former on how to endear the party to non-Muslims.

First is for them to define Malaysia as a secular country; secondly, stop using the word “kafir” and lastly acknowledge that corruption in Malaysia is caused by all races, not just non-Muslims.

However, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man shot down Lim’s proposal for the party to accept Malaysia as a secular nation.

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