KUALA LUMPUR – A former senior member of PAS’ non-Muslim wing bemoaned his sense of “helplessness” when raising issues for the country’s minorities with the Islamist party’s leadership, leading to his recent resignation.
S. Barathidasan told The Vibes that he quit his position of PAS Supporters Assembly (DHPP) secretary and some other posts due to several frustrations, chiefly with the party’s conduct towards Indian community issues that emerged in states like Kedah of late.
“There were many issues in Kedah such as the demolition of temples and the decision to remove the public holiday for Thaipusam (celebrations),” he said when contacted.
“Many people had called me as a secretary of DHPP, urging me to talk to our superiors in PAS. I feel sorry for my community as we are helpless.”
Barathidasan, 56, said he had been a member of DHPP since 2016 when he was immediately appointed as a senior member after joining the wing.
“I joined PAS to make changes and a difference as the party carried slogans such ‘PAS for All’ and ‘Strengthening Unity’, but now I feel I cannot give a voice for my community and it has been a waste,” he said.
As for his future plans, Barathidasan said he had received offers to join other parties and will make an announcement on the matter at a later time.
Despite the issues that led to his resignation, Barathidasan said he is not frustrated with the party’s central leadership, but rather with senior members of DHPP for their apparent failure to represent the voices of the non-Muslims.
“I'm not complaining about PAS leaders, but the DHPP failed to bring issues to them (leadership) to make them understand (the problems).”
In a statement earlier today, Barathidasan said he had resigned from several posts, including as Federal Territories DHPP chief, due to some “internal issues” with the party. The resignation is effective as of December 31 last year.
He said his resignation was accepted by DHPP today after some meetings had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. – The Vibes, February 21, 2021
