Non-Muslims to get equal membership rights in new party, PAS progressives say
(Malay Mail Online) – The idea was for the group to be open and inclusive to not just Muslims but Malaysians of other faiths and beliefs, provided they supported its objectives and guiding principles.
The newly-launched Gerakan Harapan Baru (GHB) movement led by PAS progressives is looking to open its doors to non-Muslims and accord them the same rights as its Muslim members once it formally establishes itself as a new political party, its representatives have said.
PAS has a non-Muslim wing called the PAS Supporters’ Congress, but its members have no voting rights within the Islamist party although some have contested under the PAS banner in past general elections.
“Gerakan Harapan Baru consists of a group of people who wish to see Malaysian politics move on and not be deterred by factions.
“We want to include others who believe in the same inspirations: NGOs, those people who feel that they need a new platform altogether and those who feel that PAS cannot deliver that platform anymore,” Parit Buntar MP Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa told Malay Mail Online when contacted.
“With Gerakan Harapan Baru, every single Malaysian will not be abandoned in this new hope.
“We will include Muslims, non-Muslims, and ultimately we will emerge as a national party,” the former PAS central committee member said.
He said that the key figures behind the group are “seriously thinking” about making the future party’s membership open to Malaysians from all walks of life.
“But of course our basis of existence will be Islamic principles,” Mujahid stressed.
