PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has surprisingly aligned with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with his support for his political opponent’s warning against exploiting religious and racial issues for political gain.
While the PAS secretary-general said the party aligns with the call for maintaining social harmony, he subtly shifts the focus back onto the government, criticising its perceived failure to take firm, fair, and transparent action on matters concerning Islam’s position in Malaysia.
“PAS also welcomes the government’s stance on upholding Islam as the religion of the federation, while also emphasising the need for all parties to ‘not cross the line, break the rules, or violate the laws’ related to religion and race.
“This reaffirmation is in line with PAS’ longstanding policy on the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation as the core identity of Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious society,” he said in a statement.
The party reinforces the idea that respecting different races and religions is a fundamental part of Malaysia’s identity but also insists that such values should not undermine Islamic principles.
Nevertheless, Takiyuddin suggested that the government has been inconsistent or weak in enforcing rules related to religious and racial sensitivities, particularly in defending Islam’s position.
PAS implies that some government leaders or coalition members may be contributing to interfaith tensions rather than resolving them.
Moreover, PAS positions itself as a watchdog, questioning the government’s political will to protect Islam and uphold national unity.
The party frames the issue as a governance failure, suggesting that without stronger leadership and stricter enforcement, tensions could escalate further.
Nevertheless, the statement puts pressure on Anwar’s administration to demonstrate a firmer stance on religious issues while balancing Malaysia’s multiracial harmony. The government must show that it is preaching unity and enforcing it fairly.
For PAS, the party continues to position itself as a defender of Islam and a critic of what it sees as government inaction or bias. This appeals to its conservative Malay-Muslim support base.
Takiyuddin’s statement is both a nod to national unity and a strategic political move, ensuring PAS remains relevant in the ongoing national conversation about race, religion and governance. — March 8, 2025
Main photo credit: Bernama
