PAS welcomes Zaid's call for ethical, inclusive leadership to elevate M'sia

Summary

• PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan thanks former law minister Zaid Ibrahim for his frank evaluation of the party’s strengths and weaknesses.

• He also underscores the difference between the Islamist party and the government.

PAS has welcomed former law minister Zaid Ibrahim’s assertion that the party has the potential to uplift Malaysia if it pairs its moral clarity with a firm commitment to good governance and inclusivity.

Party secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan expressed appreciation for Zaid’s frank evaluation of the party’s strengths and shortcomings, describing his views as valuable contributions towards PAS’s continuous development and national leadership aspirations.

“Most compelling was his view on the combination of moral principles, good governance, and an inclusive approach as a vital foundation to elevate the country to greater heights,” Takiyuddin (above) said.

He affirmed that PAS, as a party rooted in Islamic principles, will continue to anchor its policies and actions on a foundation of morality, noble values, and ethics - standards that guide not only the party’s direction but also national and societal life.

Takiyuddin noted that the emphasis on moral and ethical conduct in both personal and public life is not the sole domain of PAS or Islam.

He said it is a timeless concern that has engaged great thinkers and writers across generations, and remains highly relevant today amid the widespread erosion of public trust and the weakening of political institutions.

“In Western intellectual tradition, this issue has drawn the attention of figures such as Plato, Aristotle, St Augustine, (Thomas) Hobbes, (John) Locke, and (Immanuel) Kant, who debated the role and importance of morality in politics and governance to ensure they benefit the wider public and prevent abuse.

“The drafting of the Seven Nolan Principles by the United Kingdom’s Committee on Standards in Public Life under the leadership of John Major in 1995, for example, was also intended to serve as a moral and ethical guide for public officials, following the ‘cash for questions’ scandal involving several MPs in that country,” he added.

Firm stance

Takiyuddin said these reflections underscore the essential role of morality and ethics as the bedrock of public life, particularly in politics and governance, noting that public trust and shared values are critical to ethical leadership and the effective functioning of democracy.

“This also justifies PAS’ firm stance on the matter, which Zaid has acknowledged, particularly in terms of the party’s leadership being free from corruption and corrupt practices.

“This stands in stark contrast to the government, which is not only seen as failing to fulfill past promises, but is also mired in allegations of cronyism, abuse of power, suppression of free speech, and other issues that erode the trust not only of the general public but even of its staunchest supporters,” he added.

Takiyuddin reiterated that PAS remains resolute in upholding the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and openness - principles he described as fundamental to the party’s political and administrative conduct.

He concluded that integrity, honesty, justice, and prudent leadership are essential in advancing the public interest and maintaining public confidence in the nation’s institutions and governance systems.

Party’s potential

Last week, Zaid rebuked critics of PAS for downplaying the party’s potential, drawing a comparison to Iran’s clerical leadership.

“History has shown us that clerical leadership can steer nations through immense adversity. Just look at Iran.

“Guided by its Council of Guardians – religious scholars with deep ideological conviction – Iran not only survived but asserted its independence despite decades of war and crippling sanctions from global superpowers,” he wrote on Facebook.

PAS, a key component of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, currently holds the highest number of seats in the Dewan Rakyat, with 43.

The party also leads the state governments in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

Despite its efforts to broaden its appeal among non-Malay voters, PAS is frequently accused of being a polarising force on issues of race and religion.

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