KUALA LUMPUR – Despite its apparent struggle in garnering the support of non-Muslims, PAS sees itself as a party that champions the voices of all races and religions, according to its information chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin.
In a dialogue session with Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Khairil Nizam explained that PAS is a political movement that bases its struggle in the upholding of Islam through constitutional democracy.
He dismissed notions that PAS is an extremist entity, insisting instead that the party ensures universal justice for all.
“We know that Islam is a blessing for the whole universe. Similarly, it ensures that our independence and sovereignty are preserved,” he said.
“In other words, PAS not only cares for Muslims, but also non-Bumiputeras. If you look at our track record from the past, justice is served to everyone, including in states where PAS has governed.
“These include in Kelantan, where we have administered for more than 30 years, and in Terengganu where we regained the state in the last election. Alhamdulillah, we are also given the opportunity to showcase Islamic justice in Kedah.”
The Islamist party has always had a hard time making inroads in states or constituencies with a more mixed demographic composition.
In the recent Melaka election, for example, PAS lost in all the eight seats it contested, although it is worth noting that the party had then contested under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner.
Despite being almost wiped out of Melaka – PN only won two seats through Bersatu – Khairil Nizam believes the coalition has much more to offer and is a good alternative to Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan.
He said the performance of PN is evident during its short stint in federal power, where its government managed to handle the Covid-19 pandemic admirably.
“PN is a fresh, new front, and more importantly, we are free from criminal and corruption cases,” he said. – The Vibes, February 2, 2022
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