PAS today stressed that the rights of non-Muslims, including pig farming, will not be curtailed should the Islamic party come into power.

Party deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa said what the PAS-led Kelantan does for the Chinese in the state will be practised nationwide if the party is given the mandate to rule.

According to him, PAS, which has governed Kelantan for 17 years, has not only defended the rights of the Chinese but also provided assistance to different ethnic groups.

In Kelantan, he said, the Chinese can sell pig products openly at markets, which are located near to the markets frequented by the Malays, without any problem.

"PAS gives an assurance that the Chinese are free to use their language and practice their culture without hindrance from the (PAS) government or other races.

"There are Chinese who are worried if PAS was to rule, they will be forced to embrace Islam. This is what we heard from the Chinese about PAS.

"The answer is that PAS will not force the Chinese to embrace Islam. Islam is not only for the Malays but for all, including the Chinese," he told a press conference at the PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present was PAS supporters club president Hu Pang Chaw.

According to Hu, a vegetable marketed frequented by the Malays in Kota Bharu is located next to a market where pig products are sold.

He said when the Kota Bharu Municipal Council (MPKB) wanted to relocate the vegetable market, the Malay traders opposed it.

"Until now the market where pig products are being sold still exists and it does not cause any problems to the Malays," he added.

Growing support

Meanwhile, Nasharudin said there is no reason to ostracise the Chinese because they make up the second largest population in this country.

Asked whether PAS will allow the selling of pig products, he said PAS will form a new machanism on pig farming.

"We cannot just say that this is a plural society but the needs and rights of other ethnic groups are not fulfilled and defended.

"If the rights of the Malays are being threatened we must defend them, the same goes with the Chinese," he said.

On the pig farming crisis in Melaka, the PAS leader said there was lack of negotiations between the authorities and the Chinese community.

Nasharudin also claimed that the Chinese support for PAS has increased in view of numerous issues such as corruption, high crime rate and ineffective management of the country's economy.