Hadi promises change and a more inclusive PAS
By Wong Choon Mei, Suara Keadilan
In his much-watched presidential speech at the opening of the 55th PAS muktamar, Abdul Hadi Awang promised change and a paradigm shift for the Islamic-based party that included all Malaysians.
“PAS will lead in bringing a new Islamic paradigm in politics unifies all Malaysians in our struggle for universal justice,” Hadi told delegates at a packed hall.
He lambasted the Umno-BN for damaging the people’s confidence in the country’s system, its political hypocrisy, racist policies and neglect of the economy.
“The 1Malaysia slogan of Prime Minister Najib Razak will not result in any improvement for the country as Umno and BN are in tatters. This is further worsen with the BN’s assault on the system of separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary.”
Whether PAS can truly morph into the modern Islamic party that its top leaders envision, able to accept and be accepted by non-Muslims and non-Malays alike, remains to be seen.
But what is clear on this Friday is the quantum leap that the party has made since the watershed 2008 election. And by reflection the Pakatan Rakyat coalition that it belongs to. It does look like the Pakatan has arrived!
That was evident and made conspicuously so by the large number of attendees from both the diplomatic corp and the corporate sector. Their acknowledgement of the coalition is something that arch enemy Umno-BN would do well not to ignore.
Said Hadi: “Umno and BN are trapped in an old system which is focused on race and directed towards material gains and the maintenance of their political dominance.
Malaysia increasingly unrecognisable as Najib resorts to suppression to cling to power
Despite the massive campaign mounted by the Umno-controlled press for PAS to return to the BN fold and defend Malay rights alongside Umno, Hadi reiterated his party’s committment to the multi-racial Pakatan coalition, led by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.
PAS spiritual adviser Nik Aziz Nik Mat has often denounced racism and the persecution of minority groups as against the teachings of Islam.
Quoting the party’s constitution and reviewing its history, Hadi called on its ulama or Islamic scholars to educate members on the Islamic principles adopted by the PAS.
“Let us strengthen our ties at all levels in Pakatan Rakyat so that the unity within Pakatan Rakyat becomes more visible, especially in states that we jointly rule, to prepare ourselves to face the 13th general election,” he said.
The PAS president also slammed the string of harsh police crackdowns instructed by the PM and his cousin Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to stamp out public discontent over an unpopular coup d’etat in Perak.
The power grab had unseated the Pakatan state administration led by PAS leader Nizar Jamaluddin. PAS Youth has already announced a Black Saturday campaign where all Malaysians are encouraged to wear black to show solidarity with the Perak folk and disapproval for Najib and his methods.
Hadi also shamed Umno – the biggest Malay political party – for its cowardice in not contesting the Penanti by-election. Having lost in four of the past five by-elections, Najib had decided to stay away to escape the political consequences of yet another defeat.
However, the negative feedback has been so intense – both from the opposition and within Umno – that Najib can no longer dare to skip another contest. His coalition will now participate at the Manik Urai by-election in July.
Hadi, who retained his presidency uncontested, vowed to safeguard the PAS state seat, vacated by the untimely death of assemblyman Ismail Yaacob.
“God willing, when the Manek Urai by-election is held, we will be able to defend it,” he promised.
Click here to see Hadi Awang’s full speech
Click here to follow the PAS muktamar live
