KUALA LUMPUR – Islamist party PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has shone a spotlight on non-Malay parties politically supporting PAS to prove that it is not a “racist and extremist” party.
Noting that Barisan Nasional (BN) components MCA and MIC had been willing to back the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, which PAS is part of, to form the government, Hadi said that this should be seen as an indication of PAS’ openness to working with those of other races.
This came when the Marang MP was asked by the press yesterday to respond to accusations of PAS being against cooperation with certain races.
“The answer is practical. (PN component) Gerakan is with us, non-Muslims are also with us, and we’re willing to work together with all parties,” he said.
“What’s interesting is that MCA, MIC, and Sabah and Sarawak parties supported us (PN) then in establishing the government.”
Prior to the appointment of Pakatan Harapan (PH) leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister and the formation of a unity government following the 15th general elections, PN had insisted that some BN MPs had signed statutory declarations supporting the coalition.
The claim, however, was subsequently dismissed by several BN linchpin Umno leaders, including Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi and Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
PAS recently came under heat after Hadi asserted that “creedless and immoral” DAP is spreading Islamophobic narratives and appointing “stupid and liberal Malays rejected by Islam” as its mouthpieces.
He also said that he has no problem with PH leaders filing police reports against the party for allegedly issuing accusations and remarks that could incite racial harmony, saying: “Go ahead and lodge a police report. I am ready to go to Bukit Aman (police headquarters).” – The Vibes, November 30, 2022
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