KOTA KINABALU - Sabah PAS’ appointed assemblyman, Aliakbar Gulasan has again made heads turn, after appointing a Christian, as special officer-in-charge of race relations.
Herman Obi, 24, who will quit his job as a lab assistant to join Aliakbar said he wishes to eliminate all prejudices against Sabah PAS as he takes on his new role.
Obi added, although the party revolved around Islamic teachings, it governs based on respect for all religions.
“I have been a Sabah PAS supporter since 2013. PAS is not entirely about Islam alone, but it is also for non-Muslims,” he told The Vibes.
The appointment of Aliakbar as assemblyman on October 8, had raised the ire of state politicians and movements, who called for his immediate removal.
They said his appointment would pose a threat to the religious and racial harmony of Sabah.
Setting the record straight, Obi who hails from Kampung Pandan Mandamai, Pitas said that the leadership of PAS is guided by the federal constitution.
“While Islam is the official religion of the Federation of Malaysia, the religious practice of others is also respected,” he added.
Obi serves as the secretary of the Dewan Himpunan Pendukung PAS, one of the four main wings in the party that was created especially for non-Muslim members like him.
Obi, who comes from the Tombonuo ethnic group admitted there had been some scepticism among close associates over his alliance with PAS.
However, he said it only serves to strengthen his resolve in explaining PAS' political ideals to the masses.
He said one of his main roles would be to raise awareness among the Sabahan communities of what PAS stands for.
Obi added that the political beliefs of Sabah PAS differ from the one in Peninsular Malaysia, as it includes the unique cultural practices of the people of Sabah. – The Vibes, October 11, 2020
