Are non-Malays not backing PN because of PAS?
PAS can only stay relevant if the party chooses the middle path in politics.
Moaz Nair, FMT
A Bersatu man was reported on Oct 6 as saying that PAS is the reason non-Malays are not supporting Perikatan Nasional.
Honestly, PAS has to do some soul-searching if it aspires to become a political entity for people of all races and religions in the country.
For the party to stay relevant in the nation’s political landscape, it has to be seen as a party for all Malaysians based not only on religious ideals but also on the universal principles of justice and fairness.
No matter how appealing PAS can be, as projected by party leaders to the masses, without the leaders and followers showing the exquisiteness of religion in its practical and pragmatic forms, not many non-Malays will be convinced to vote for the party.
PAS has in fact failed to demonstrate the realism of religion to suit contemporary society and to cater for the modern progressive minds of the people.
Weaponising religion
Weaponising religion to win the hearts of the gullible population will not convince non-Malays. The latter would like to see a peaceful political party that has a progressive image and could bring socio-economic benefits to them.
What are the economic plans and novel solutions to some of the social injustices in our society to give a better life to the people? This is what PAS has failed to address.
PAS should be more concerned about how to handle the many social problems troubling society in general, such as deviant religious teachings, discrimination, criminal offences such as corruption, rape, sodomy, incest, baby-dumping, child abuse, drug abuse and trafficking, and the wayward behaviour of our youth, all of which can be a bane to the nation.
Beyond this, the economy, education, employment and poverty need to be addressed with knowledge and intelligence not just mere theological rhetoric.
Unfortunately, some PAS leaders are more interested in form over substance, harping on trivial matters that are more oblivious than obvious. If they have plans to bring progress to the society without coercion, fear and qualms, but with intelligence and through tactful means, that itself is religious and is sufficient to create an accommodative and peace-loving society accepted by both non-Malays and Malays.
Mere slogans
PAS should be advocating a humane approach to resolve societal problems.
Malaysians do not need to be constantly reminded of harsh punishments to become good citizens of the state. Let the approach to religion be on logical reasoning – futuristic, rational and intelligent enough to convince the masses. Can the present leaders in PAS face up to this challenge?
Of course, it is easy to stir the emotions of the illiterate by using religion as a political tool. But the progressive-educated people of today from among all races and religions desire a better deal. They seek unyieldingly for substance pertinent to their well-being rather than mere slogans.
Perpetually harping on punishments is not going to help much. And the term hudud has oftentimes been distorted by self-seeking PAS politicians. The very mention of it has become a phobia among the non-Malays in the country, as many have misunderstood the principles behind this decree. This is also the term that was most exploited by some PAS politicians to gain support from the Malay community.
It is also unwise for some PAS leaders to assume that the non-Malays may take over the country and subvert Islam. What more when there are some leaders spewing venom towards the non-Malay population.
It is the promulgation of good character in oneself that matters in Islam and this can only be achieved if there is discipline and righteousness among some PAS politicians. Islam is all about simplicity and practicality. Harping on dubious narratives to scare the non-Malays does not favour PAS.
Not all Malays support PAS
PAS leaders should also realise that, despite being Muslim, not all Malays support the party. A foremost characteristic of Islam is that it makes no real distinction between the spiritual and the secular or worldly pursuits in life. Its aim is to shape both individual lives as well as society as a whole in ways that will ensure their well-being spiritually, morally and economically.
Thus, PAS can only stay relevant if the party chooses the middle path in politics.
They should dialogue more on how to uplift the country’s economy, advocate progressive education for the masses and guarantee social justice to citizens professing faiths other than Islam.
PAS has to do some deep introspection as a political party in a multiracial society. It should be aware of the priorities in Islam and the basic needs of humankind before it falls deeper into its own trap.
Putting religion in the wrong order in the name of politics is not going to endear PAS to non-Malays or even the majority of Malays.
