PAS non-Muslim wing urges party not to use words like 'kafir', 'pendatang'

Summary

• DHPP urges party members to stop using words that may offend non-Muslims, stating that Malaysians want politics that unites, not divides.

• The wing also requests that PAS allocate 'winnable seats' to its candidates in the next general election, to show the party is serious about elevating the non-Muslim community's voice.

PAS MUKTAMAR | The PAS Non-Muslim Supporters Wing (DHPP) has urged party members to avoid using words that may offend non-Muslims.

Speaking at the 71st PAS muktamar, Selangor DHPP chief K Deepakaran said a small number of PAS members still use words like “kafir” (infidel) and “pendatang” (migrant).

“DHPP would like to give a loving reminder that party leaders at all levels must be careful with the language they use.

“There should be no terms that can hurt anyone's feelings. Malaysians want politics that unites, not divides,” he said during his speech at the Kedah PAS Complex in Alor Setar, Kedah today.

When asked to comment, Deepakaran said that as PAS’ bridge to unite Malaysians, DHPP must prove that PAS is ready to accept all segments of society, regardless of religion or race.

“How can we unite the people, especially non-Muslims, if there are still those who are racist?

“I believe in the PAS president (Abdul Hadi Awang’s) remarks, that PAS is prepared to govern the country. Such things will not be repeated," he told Malaysiakini.

Earlier, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that DHPP has now been absorbed to become associate members of the party.

In his opening speech at the PAS muktamar this morning, the Kota Bharu MP said the matter was decided after the Registrar of Societies approved the amendment to the PAS constitution to accept non-Muslims as associate members.

Takiyuddin said DHPP has 10,000 members nationwide.

“DHPP already has 10,000 members; the 1.3 million PAS members do not include DHPP members yet. When we absorb them, the number will increase.

“DHPP delegates will be eligible to elect the central leadership.

“They have 20 delegates but cannot vote because they do not exist in the constitution yet; maybe at the next muktamar, they will be able to vote,” Takiyuddin explained when asked to comment on DHPP's position in PAS.

Allocate winnable seats

Deepakaran said that PAS needs to give winnable seats to DHPP candidates in the upcoming general election.

“As non-Muslims in PAS, we in DHPP are confident that our role is not just symbolic but as a bulwark of unity.

"Our presence is concrete proof that PAS can embrace all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion. Therefore, DHPP intends that in the effort to expand support, PAS needs to give winnable seats to DHPP candidates in the next GE.

"This is proof that PAS is truly serious about elevating the voice of the non-Muslim community to the mainstream. By bringing a fair and inclusive agenda, PAS will be trusted not only among Muslims but also by the Indian, Chinese, Orang Asli and all races in Malaysia," he added.

At the DHPP Convention on Saturday, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man promised to allocate seats for DHPP candidates to contest in the next national polls.

Reporting by Hariz Mohd, B Nantha Kumar, Firdaus Hanafiah

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