PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has ticked off unfounded perception that the Islamist party is backward for it does not have many technocrats who are able to lift the party’s reputation to the next level.
But the truth is, according to the Terengganu Menteri Besar who is known by the moniker Dr Sam, PAS has many members who come from diverse fields and backgrounds.
“However, most of them do not stand out but play a role behind the scenes and are involved in arranging strategies for PAS to continue moving forward,” Ahmad Samsuri penned on his Facebook page.
“I was one of those (technocrats) who used to be a part of them before being highlighted as a candidate in the 2018 national polls.”
Ahmad Samsuri who holds a PhD in aeroengine ignition and combustion from the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, also rebutted claims that PAS is an extremist party.
“Detractors who harbour a sense of prejudice towards PAS tend to equate the party with other Islamic parties in the world. This is 100% not true at all. PAS has the potential to become a modern Islamic party. Equating the PAS party with the Taliban and the like is a mistake”
Deemed a moderate PAS leader in contrast to his motor mouth Kedah counterpart Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Mohd Nor, Ahmad Samsuri reckoned that PAS understands very well the structure of the Malaysian society which boasts ethnic and religious diversity.
“PAS is a party that is already relevant and acceptable to the community in this country,” insisted the Kemaman MP and two-term Ru Rendang state assemblyman.
“We understand very well that to make our country the best country in the world, everyone needs to work together as Malaysian citizens. In this regard, PAS is no longer a kampung (village) party but is actually more than just a party. We have come this far and will continue to move forward.”
Added Ahmad Samsuri: “PAS is also not a perfect party but we have members and supporters from various backgrounds who support us.” – Jan 14, 2024
Main pic credit: Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s Facebook
