PETALING JAYA – A senator from MCA today called for an end to "PAS shaming" of anyone associated with or engaging with the Islamic party.
Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, who is also a former MCA vice-president, said Malaysia is a nation built on tolerance, mutual respect and consensus.
"PAS should not be painted as a monster, isolated or forced into a corner.
"This will only force them to be more radical and extreme as extremism only begets extremism," he said in a statement.
Ti said there should be greater engagement with PAS leaders and members to help them understand that our country and constitution are based on pluralism and secularism.
"In fact, prime minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended the olive branch to PAS, and is ready to consider making the Islamist party a partner in the unity government.
"I believe there are many moderates and even liberals in PAS who can be empowered to check on the radicals or conservatives.
"This empowerment of the moderates was practised in Barisan Nasional and component parties, whereby we empowered the moderates to contain the extremists from within.
"This practice must be continued for all parties, whether it’s DAP, Umno or PAS to walk the moderate path," he said.
Ti said the political culture of checks and balances on extremism must be continued.
"We should continue to bridge any divide through positive engagement and moderation," he added. – The Vibes, October 21, 2023
