Change your image to secure support of all Malaysians, PAS told

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim says the Islamist party must show it can offer an Islamic system that guarantees equality for all.

(FMT) – Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has challenged PAS to “change the image of the party” by offering “credible and substantive policy narratives” to secure support from all Malaysians.

In a post on X, the former Kota Bharu MP said PAS has the potential to lead the country but must win support from all segments of society to gain power.

“At present, (PAS) has shown no interest in getting the support of non-Muslims in dealing with contemporary issues,” he said, adding that “the party still puts fear in the lives of many as to how they will govern the country”.

Zaid said PAS should look into forming a serious alliance with a non-Malay party, like MCA.

“PAS has the Malays with them; they only need to declare that they can offer an Islamic system that guarantees equality for all.”

Zaid said all Malaysians will follow a credible and sincere Malay grouping that takes concerted efforts to dismantle all forms of discrimination.

However, he said, PAS would need to change its “profile” and “behaviour” by respecting the rights and customs of non-Malays. It must also abandon its obsession with “banning everything they disapprove of”, he added.

“Create a kinder and gentler society. Offer support and help to all levels of society – especially the poorer segments,” said Zaid.

He also called on PAS to promote “true Islamic justice” by putting an end to preferential treatment enjoyed by certain segments of society.

“The people are tired of discrimination, hegemony, and different classes receiving different treatment from those in power.

“Give Malaysians the message that Prophet Muhammad left behind for humanity. Can PAS undertake this mission?

“A political party must have plans to change our political, economic and justice system. It is not viable to be a party that promises heaven but little else in this life.”

PAS won a party record 43 parliamentary seats in GE15, primarily in constituencies with Malay majorities.

PAS, Bersatu (with 25 seats) and Muda (1 seat) currently form the opposition in the Dewan Rakyat, while the government is formed by a coalition of Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional and East Malaysian parties which control 153 seats.

PAS was briefly in federal power when Perikatan Nasional led the government from March 2020 to August 2021.

In October last year, its president Abdul Hadi Awang said the Islamic party must work on winning over non-Malay and non-Muslim voters in GE16 after having secured support from the majority of Malays.