KUALA LUMPUR – The decision by PAS’ first-ever Sabah assemblyman Aliakbar Gulasan to appoint a Christian as his special officer is not a political move meant to garner locals’ support, insisted the party leadership today.
PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad said the move shows that the Islamist outfit embraces racial and religious differences, contrary to the widely held belief that it is a “tyrannical” party that oppresses non-Muslims.
It is vital that the party portrays itself as inclusive, particularly in the context of the Borneo state.
“We want to show that we celebrate differences in Malaysia. The appointment proves just that,” he told The Vibes.
“It is not a question of getting Sabahans to support us; there’s nothing political about it. This is just part of our struggle to champion Islamic principles, by accepting and being fair to non-Muslims.”
Other PAS leaders and members do not have an issue with the appointment, he said.
Idris was asked to comment on the appointment yesterday of Herman Obi, secretary of the state chapter of the PAS Supporters’ Congress (DHPP), as Aliakbar’s special officer in charge of interracial relations.
A number of social media users have questioned the motive behind the appointment, with some saying it is an act of political expediency and “just for show”.
Even prior to Obi’s appointment, the Sabah government’s decision to have Aliakbar among the state’s six nominated assemblymen had been heavily criticised, as many deem PAS’ brand of politics “unsuitable” for the state.
Detractors fear that the party’s extremist beliefs could harm Sabah’s harmony – a concern that has been brushed aside by Aliakbar, who maintains that PAS practises peaceful politics.
Idris said it is not unusual for certain segments of the community to be envious of the achievements of others, and things are no different for PAS.
“When we (PAS) were not in power, nobody said anything about us. It is normal to face criticism when we are (in power).
“Even when we first captured Kelantan from Barisan Nasional in 1990, there were numerous accusations that we would be a cruel government. But, we have proven through our actions that we are fair.
“The only way to answer critics is through our actions. And the appointment of Obi as a special officer is one of them.”
PAS also has non-Muslim appointments in other state governments, including Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
Idris said DHPP national chief N. Balasubramaniam’s appointment as senator in June – the first non-Muslim PAS member to make it to the Dewan Negara – is further evidence that the party embraces differences. – The Vibes, October 12, 2020
