Selangor PAS Youth defends inclusivity, calls for open dialogue with Ti

Selangor PAS Youth today defended the party’s record of engaging with Malaysia’s diverse society, rejecting suggestions that it is exclusive or monopolises religion.

In a statement on his Facebook page, its chief Sukri Omar said many of the initiatives that former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker cited as lacking had long been part of PAS’s agenda through the PAS Supporters’ Congress and its national unity committee.

Sukri then called for an open dialogue with Ti and other critics of the party, inviting them to sit down with PAS at a roundtable.

“PAS Supporters’ Congress and its national unity committee have long acted as bridges of unity with non-Muslim communities.

“Welfare programmes, disaster relief, basic legal services, community health checks and tuition classes for underprivileged children have been provided without regard to race or religion. Our principle is politics of service, not rhetoric,” Sukri (above) said.

He added that PAS’s clean image, integrity and record of being free from corruption are its main assets.

"Selangor PAS Youth upholds these values through transparent governance in every programme.

“The people judge by outcomes; therefore, our focus remains on practical solutions: the cost of living, job opportunities, affordable housing, and quality education. We believe this is the inclusive political narrative that all Malaysians desire," he added.

Yesterday, Ti shared a “Dummy’s Guide” with PAS on how to win over non-Malay support, remarking that the party has been struggling in this regard.

Ti said PAS should shed its dogmatic and narrow approach, and embrace inclusivity and fairness.

Ti said that if PAS were to focus on integrity and practical solutions to people’s everyday problems, support from Chinese and Indian voters would gradually shift towards the Islamist party and its coalition, Perikatan Nasional.

PAS’ approach

"We acknowledge that society cannot be won over through harsh rhetoric. Our approach is one of welfare, compassion and empathy. Food aid programmes, community service centres, tuition for new converts, and visits across religious boundaries are already being carried out consistently.

“This is the true face of caring Islamic politics, providing solutions to the everyday needs of the people," Sukri added.

He said Selangor PAS Youth also respects the educational and cultural rights of non-Malay communities as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

He added that Chinese and Tamil national-type schools, houses of worship and cultural activities are honoured within the framework of the law and with due respect.

"Our stance is clear: to strengthen Bahasa Malaysia as the national language, to empower the mastery of other languages as a national asset, and to ensure that the education and culture of all communities are respected.

"The allegation that PAS only appears during election season is untrue. Both the PAS Supporters’ Congress and Selangor PAS Youth consistently participate in cultural activities, multiracial forums, visits to houses of worship, neighbourhood gotong-royong and various cross-community welfare programmes.

“The leadership of the PAS Supporters’ Congress at state and grassroots levels is always involved in community service, proving our year-round commitment.

"We welcome Ti’s views, and invite him and any other concerned parties to sit at the table with Selangor PAS Youth. Our principle is simple: to know one another is to foster love.

“Open dialogue is the best way to eliminate misunderstandings, strengthen trust and chart cooperation for the people," Sukri added.

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