Perkasa: Haron Din’s appointment by Zahid moral victory for PAS

(Malay Mail Online) – Malay rights group Perkasa has lauded PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Dr Haron Din’s appointment as a cluster chief under the federal Islamic Consultative Council (MPI), calling it a major moral victory for the Islamist party.

According to Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali today, the move by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi allegedly showed that Umno is in dire need of PAS, while the opposition party has instead shown its integrity in holding to Islamic teachings.

“For me, the appointment of Haron although minor and not at ministerial level, it is a major moral victory for PAS and not just a mark of respect for PAS,” Ibrahim said in a statement here.

“Now Umno cannot ridicule PAS. Even now, we can hear many wishing for Umno and PAS to unite for many reasons. The easiest reason to sell is for the unity of the community, for the sake of Malay and Islam’s might.”

Ibrahim also praised Haron, calling the Islamic scholar someone who does not hold to double standards and hypocrisy, is calm, and steadfast in his struggle.

The firebrand speaker, who contested the 12th general elections under PAS’ banner, also expressed his joy that PAS has stopped its political alliance with DAP.

“My conclusion, with the break-up of PAS and DAP, taking into account the anxiety of Malay-Muslims now in many issues.

“If PAS treads wisely in its political struggle, I am confident that PAS will be the alternative party that gets the support of the majority of Malay-Muslims in the 14th general elections,” said the former Pasir Mas MP.

On Thursday, Haron together with six others, including deputy minister in charge of Islamic affairs Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, were appointed by Zahid to lead separate clusters in the council.

According to reports, MPI is headed by religious scholars, academics, corporate leaders and leaders from independent groups, to help Putrajaya establish a Shariah-compliant national agenda.

Deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said earlier today that the appointment was a mark of respect for Haron, and not an “insult” as suggested by critics.

Tuan Ibrahim said there are already many PAS leaders who had been appointed to serve the public such as in fatwa councils, and Haron’s appointment was just another move similar to that.