KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that PAS can only join the federal unity government that he leads if it abides by the constitutional stand on Malaysia being a multi-religious country where people of every faith have a place in the country.
The prime minister said this in revealing that the Islamist party has been invited to be part of the government, but with a clear line drawn on the issue of religion.
He said that he does not want to preclude the possibility of that happening, but it has to be contingent upon major policy conditions being accepted by PAS.
He added that there has not been a clear rejection nor a positive response from PAS on this matter.
“The political climate is still a bit heated, so we’ll let it cool off for some time,” he said in an interview published in Time Magazine yesterday.
“Islam is the religion of the Federation (of Malaysia), but this is a multireligious country and I want every single citizen in this country, of all religious persuasions, to know that they have a place in this country,” he said.
“On whether we are prepared to engage with them (PAS), of course we do. We must. And I’ve sent (an invitation) to them.
“Yes, I have been open to the idea from the beginning. After all, this is a unity government and we do what is best for our country.”
Asked how he plans to combat the rise in Malay-Islamist supremacist rhetoric in Malaysia, Anwar listed three key factors.
The first is economic development in terms of a more just and equitable system to ensure that no community or part of the country is seen to be ignored or marginalised.
"Second, of course, is education, because extremism, racism, religious bigotry, breed easily among the more ignorant segment of the population,” he added.
"When I say ignorant, I don’t mean you’re not qualified, (that) you don’t go to university.
“I mean the lack of understanding of the total message of a religion dependent on some of the mullahs and sheikhs, with their very narrow, obscure interpretation.”
“Third, to make them realise that Malaysia, although it is a predominantly Muslim country, is a multireligious country,” he stressed.
“And we have survived hundreds of years with the presence of Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians. There is no reason why you should upset this and cause enmity.”
Anwar was also questioned about Umno’s stated demand to have a pardon for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who is currently imprisoned on a graft-related conviction.
The interviewer said that Anwar would be one of the members of the pardoning board if it ever came to that.
Anwar reiterated that the system in the pardoning board is a process, and it would be the sole discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“There are a few issues that the king may not seek the advice of the prime minister—on the issue of pardons, on the issue of investiture, and some issues pertaining to Islam and Malay customs. I trust the wisdom of the king to protect the constitution," he said.
He noted that every convicted person has a right to submit his or her appeal to the pardons board and it is the duty of the board to consider each case professionally.
“That’s all that we will do. And each member will give their views to the king. The king has a final say,” he said.
“Of course, they say the king can act on the advice of the prime minister. But unlike normal government duties, this advice has its limit, because the king has discretion, as I said.”
Pressed on what he would do if the case came to him, Anwar replied: “I will think about it.” – The Vibes, October 12, 2023
