The Malaysian Insight

PAS, which is pursuing an Islamist-centred opposition front, has set five conditions for working with other political parties, including Umno.

At the same time, it urged non-Muslims to reject what it described as chauvinistic political parties that are “ungrateful” and “negative towards Islam”.

The terms were outlined by party president Abdul Hadi Awang in his policy speech at the opening of the party’s 65th muktamar (annual congress) in Kuantan today.

Called the “piagam muafakat politik” (concord of political cooperation), its first two conditions are that any cooperation must benefit Islam, the country and the Malays, and that it must put Muslim unity first. 

Any form of cooperation must also fulfil these conditions: 

* defend unity in a multicultural society.

* reflect high standards of behaviour and integrity.

* be based on mutual respect, assistance and non-enmity.

The Islamist party is currently in talks with Umno to form an opposition pact against Pakatan Harapan.

Its muktamar this year is expected to debate and set the terms for the pact with Umno and other like-minded political parties and civil society organisations.

Its leaders estimate that a front comprised of the two biggest Malay political parties will be able to defeat PH in GE15.  

To allay non-Muslim suspicions, Hadi also announced a set of guarantees for them, including respecting each community’s right to practise its faith.  

Other guarantees are: 

* to promote peace and fraternity with them and to ensure there is no compulsion in religion.

* to be just to all and to respect their sensitivities.  

“PAS is confident about governing a multicultural Malaysia based on the social contract and the federal constitution according to the true interpretation of Islam without alienating any race or religion.” – June 20, 2019.