Analyst: Islamic State Can Become Reality if PAS and Umno Unite

(Malaysian Digest) – The vision of an Islamic country will only become a reality if PAS and Umno unite and work together, said a researcher.

Special Affairs Department (Jasa) analyst Lokman Nor Adam said PAS’ struggle to form an Islamic country would be in vain by joining forces with the DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Lokman, who was a former PKR member, said this was because the DAP rejected an Islamic country while the PKR was pursuing a personal agenda of its leader.

“Therefore, there is no reason why PAS could not reconcile with Umno after leaving Barisan Nasional (BN) in 1977.”

“If PAS and Umno could work together many things could happen, including the implementation of hudud law, contrary to working with the DAP and PKR as their policies and goals differ,” he said at a discourse entitled “Can the Malays Unite” at Balai Islam here, last night

The discourse, which was participated by speakers from Umno and PAS, was marred by jeering from the audience over points raised by certain speakers.

Former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin said unity in support of a political party would not mean anything if it was not aimed at upholding the Islamic struggle.

“The spirit of unity and solidarity in racial context alone will not ensure unity in the true sense of the word.”

“This can be seen as Muslims worldwide are still divided as they do not lay the foundation for Islamic unity,” he said.

Other speakers included Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam Mujahid Yusoff Rawa and Kelantan Umno Religious Bureau chairman Mohd Affandi Yusoff.