PAS MP concerned over many seeing PAS as non-inclusive

(The Rakyat Post) – A PAS lawmaker has expressed concern over the perception by former Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib yesterday as one that could be expressed by other PAS members soon.

Commenting on Muhammad popularly known as Mat Taib, who reportedly expressed his intention to leave PAS if the party no longer cared about its non-Muslim support, Shah Alam Member of Parliament Khalid Samad admitted that there was some disappointment from within the ranks that the party was no longer inclusive.

“When he (Muhammad) joined PAS, he joined on his own willingness based on PAS being more an inclusive party which fought for every race and religion.

“The notion of PAS for all was one that was effective. But now I think not only him, but few others get the impression that PAS no longer wants to go along those lines.

“We hope it is not true and hope PAS sticks to its beliefs that were laid out during Tok Guru (Datuk) Nik Abdul Aziz’s leadership. With that, individuals like Taib will remain,” he told The Rakyat Post when contacted.

Commenting further on Muhammad’s remarks that the party no longer cared for non-Muslims, Khalid said there was “room for concern” on the issue, especially with the disputes happening between PAS and its coalition allies.

“We all know what is happening now with the conflict among PAS, DAP and PKR. The party also does not give much importance to issues of general interest. Then, there was what happened in Permatang Pauh.

“It seems PAS is not as focused as before on non-Malays and non-Muslims.”

According to a report by Malaysiakini yesterday, Muhammad slammed PAS’ present leadership, telling a forum that the leadership neglected the approach by the Nik Abdul Aziz, who commanded the love and respect of many regardless of religion and race.

In saying he would leave the party, he also said he would wait to see the outcome of PAS’ party polls.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said yesterday that the PAS annual congress next month would determine its ties and cooperation with its Pakatan Rakyat partners, especially DAP.

He added the statement recently by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang that he was ready to cut ties with the DAP was based on studies.