Nik Aziz backs PKR’s call for multiracial party

(The Star) KOTA BARU: PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has agreed to a call by PKR for a component party that is open to all races in an effort to unite the various ethnic groups in Malaysia.

The Kelantan Mentri Besar said PAS was willing to reorganise itself to join the new party if it adopted “Islamic policies.”

“We can even give it a new name and it would not be a problem as long as the policies it adopts are based on Islam.

“If Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat is willing to work towards this end, PAS would play its role to work together for the betterment of the people of Malaysia,” Nik Abdul Aziz said after visiting an experimental organic padi field at Tunjung here on Tuesday.

He was asked to comment on PKR strategic director Tian Chua’s remarks in a Bahasa Malaysia tabloid on Tuesday that if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wanted to repair the bridges and tear down the divisive walls that existed among the races, then Najib should set up a new component party that was open to all races.

Tian Chua said that having a multiracial political party would contribute to uniting everyone regardless of colour, creed, race or religion under one umbrella. He said that race-based political parties caused problems in the country because they only championed the causes of the races they represented.

To a question, Nik Abdul Aziz said that the Pakatan alliance — formed not long after the 12th general election in March last year — was only about a year old, which was why it was having glitches trying to find a common ground that would be agreeable to all its member parties.

“That is why it would take time for component party members to understand the Islamic stance taken by PAS.

“In due time we will find a formula that would strike a balance within the alliance,” he said.