PAS EGM: What is in Nik Aziz mind?
By Dr. Rafick
1. When the news of Nik Aziz wanting to have an EGM surfaces, there was a myriad of views in the papers. BN leaders in particular UMNO was having a field day giving their views. No matter which camp is being questioned, it is quite clear that PAS members are divided. For that matter, all political parties in this country has got a team A, B and sometimes C. Therefore I am not too concern about PAS in this respect.
2. Nik Aziz reputation precedes him. As a leader of a state he is well respected. He has earned his respect from many layers of the society. Even the Chinese and Indians in Kelantan also respect him. His actions are based on the need of being fair and are guided by what he learns from the Quran and Prophet Mohamed s.a.w teachings.
3. So when Nik Aziz wanted to have an EGM to address the members on the principle of PAS, it certainly sent shockwaves throughout the nation. The current PAS leaders are more thinking about Malay unity but that is not what PAS is all about.
4. Is the original PAS ideology is about Malay unity? Malay unity is UMNO ideology. The name UMNO itself reflects their ideology. At the turn of the century, urban Malays are questioning UMNO ideology. Many can see that in UMNO some are more equal than others. As a result people sees that UMNO has become an elite group that champions and protect the interest of select few in the inner circle.
5. If the current PAS leadership is now following UMNO it certainly an issue of concern for Malays at large as well as PAS members. People who are true to PAS ideology must be able to see that Islam is not for Malays. Islam is also for non Malays. There is room in Islam for non believers.
6. PAS need to see itself beyond the boundary of racialism. In PR, they must show their credibility. They must be the leader of the pact and PKR can be glue that binds all the coalition members. To be the leader of the pact, they must show that they are able to lead in a way that the Islam teaches us. It must earn the respect of the other coalition members that it can act fairly for all as wanted by Islam. In Perak, we see Nizar can do it. I am sure there are many more Nizar out there in PAS.
7. This is what I see Nik Aziz has in his mind. I believe he saw that there is a need to develop a system that ensures justice and fair for all. A system where there is two strong coalitions that will contribute a check and balance in the country political system. If PAS and UMNO forms a union, then there will be no long term impact in this country. Malaysia will continue to be a racial based country. In the long run, the people will be divided by the politicians.
8. Whatever it is, that is what my crystal ball tells me. I might be wrong but I hope I am not. PAS can be better than UMNO. It can be the leader of the coalition but for that to happen it needs to push to the forefront leaders that can see the big picture. It needs to earn the respect of other coalition members as well as the respect of the people. It has to weed out the narrow minded members who think Islam is for the Malays only.
http://rights2write.wordpress.com/2009/10/25/pas-egm-what-is-in-nik-aziz-mind/
