Anwar gets into PAS’ bad books

(The Star) – PAS Youth has joined the fray in denouncing a book launched by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that suggests Islam is not a good basis to set up a nation.

Its chief Nasrudin Hassan said the wing fully supported the statement by the party’s deputy spiritual leader Datuk Dr Haron Din, who criticised the book and the Opposition leader for associating himself with the book’s author, former Indian MP Mubasyar Jawid Akbar.

Mubasyar in the book Tinder Box: The Past and The Future of Pakistan suggests that Islam is only a basis to form a brotherhood and not a basis to form a country.

Nasrudin said the wing supported Haron’s statement that the development of an Islamic nation should centre around Islamic principles and teachings.

He was responding to Haron’s recent criticism against Anwar for launching Mubasyar’s book at the Royal Lake Club in Kuala Lumpur.

The book launch was also attended by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Haron expressed regret that PKR had given Mubasyar the opportunity to present his liberal views in Malaysia.

Denouncing Mubasyar’s book, Nasrudin said Islam should not be limited as a basis to forge ties between the ummah.

PAS rejected such liberal Islamic doctrines, said Nasrudin, stressing that Islam could even be used as a guide to resolve national woes.

“Islam complements all aspects of life including the establishment and administration of a nation.”

Islam emphasised a trustworthy administration that was free from graft and leakage, and on the welfare of the rakyat, he said.