PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has insisted that a government dominated by a single majority race cannot be considered “racist”, adding that such a make-up of a government is common and generally accepted anywhere in the world.
“In this regard, PAS is of the view that the concept of political domination by a majority group in a country is not racist and unjust,” he said in a statement today (Oct 12).
Takiyuddin expressed confidence that the party’s push for ummah unity can be easier achieved if all Malay-Muslim political outfits in Malaysia adopt a more open-hearted approach in facing the 15th general election (GE15).
The PAS lawmaker further noted that these parties should place greater importance on the stability of the country and the happiness of the general public ahead of the election.
It was previously reported that PAS – which is part of the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition – has been pushing for political cooperation with UMNO in its bid to form a Malay-Muslim unity government.
Earlier this month, UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said UMNO will only return to the negotiation table with PAS if the latter meets three conditions, which Zahid said were conveyed to PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang when they met.
According to media reports, the three conditions set by Zahid – who is also Barisan Nasional chairman – include the stipulation that PAS must sever political ties with Bersatu and exit Perikatan Nasional (PN) if it wanted to cooperate with UMNO.
Zahid had also reportedly said PAS must also announce publicly that it has mufaraqah (leave a congregation) from Bersatu and PN.
However, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had downplayed UMNO’s conditions for renewed cooperation, noting that a formal statement issued by Zahid had made no mention of the “three conditions” to repair ties between the two parties.
In separate news, Takiyuddin had also urged all its leaders, members and supporters to guide their online behaviour and decency in facing the impending GE15.
“As a political party that is based on Islam, the party’s leaders, members, and supporters are required to maintain their conduct and decency as taught by the religion,” he said in a statement last night.
“Putting up posts and articles on social media that could cause hatred towards, and slander their political rivals, should be avoided at all costs.”
Takiyuddin reminded that the party’s constitution stipulates all PAS members should always guard their morality and control themselves from doing anything that could harm the party’s interests.
“Such an offence is punishable with disciplinary action by the party,” he added. – Oct 12, 2022
Main photo credit: HarakahDaily
