Make differences an asset, not poison, says PAS in Deepavali message

PAS has urged all quarters to continuously position and harmonise Malaysia’s rich diversity of religions, beliefs and cultures within the national framework and landscape, making it a “shared asset rather than a destructive poison”.

In its Deepavali greeting, the party’s secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan also drew attention to the festival’s core message, which is the triumph of light over darkness or truth over falsehood.

He said the message resonates with the shared aspirations of all Malaysians, regardless of religion, beliefs or background.

“PAS believes that the call to stand with light and truth, alongside fostering a deep appreciation for pure and noble values within personal life, family, and society, is a timeless and universal message – one that must be embraced and renewed across every era.

“It is only through this foundation of noble values and high morals that humanity can aspire to create a life that is beautiful, harmonious, blessed and prosperous, thus free from suffering, oppression and injustice,” he added in a statement.

Takiyuddin noted that in an increasingly open world with challenging geopolitical developments, national image and interests are often overshadowed or undermined by political, economic, racial or personal agendas.

“Without effective and judicious conflict resolution, the nation risks losing its sense of direction and balance, leaving citizens disillusioned and stressed without a constructive path forward.

“It would be even more unfortunate if some among us – albeit unknowingly – become ‘Trojan horses’ for ‘foreign’ ambitions and narratives, that if left unchecked, could not only erode but potentially undermine our own national interests and aspirations,” he added.

Seek truth, justice

In conjunction with this Deepavali celebration, PAS said it hopes all would seek truth and justice.

“Instead of being swayed by emotions, sentiments, or extreme, exaggerated behaviours and deceitfulness, given their inherently destructive nature,” he added.

Critics have often accused PAS of being a divisive force, leveraging on race and religion to peddle a siege mentality among the Malay-Muslim voters.

However, PAS claims it is the victim of a false narrative in which it is painted as extremist.

After the political deadlock in the last general election ended with Pakatan Harapan’s Anwar Ibrahim becoming the prime minister of a coalition government, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang stressed that its foe is DAP and not others.

Stating that PAS is prepared to work with parties dominated by non-Malays, he said: “The answer is practical. Gerakan is with us, non-Muslims are also with us, and we’re willing to work with all parties.

“What is interesting is that MCA, MIC, and the Sabah parties signed statutory declarations to support us in forming the new government. But not DAP,” he said.

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