The Malaysian Insight

THE Islamic concepts of “dosa” (sin) and “pahala” (divine reward) will be used by PAS in running the economy if it takes over Putrajaya in the 15th general election.

They are part of the Islamist party’s relaunched “welfare state” concept that president Abdul Hadi Awang said will be used to govern the country.

He insisted that the latest version of PAS’ welfare state is different from the one promoted in 2012.

The Malay term for the “new” welfare state is “negara berkebajikan”. Previously, it was “negara kebajikan”.

Hadi said “negara berkebajikan” is based on the idea of an equitable economy that is fair to all.

“This is different from the ‘negara kebajikan’ concept, which is narrow,” he said in his policy speech at the launch of PAS’ 65th muktamar, or annual congress, in Kuantan today.

According to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, “kebajikan” means “welfare”. There is no entry for “berkebajikan”.

Among the principles of PAS’ “negara berkebajikan” are:

* The party will correct the country’s economic principles to become more just and preserve life;

* Correct the nation’s economic policy so that it is based on morality, the concepts of “dosa” and “pahala”, integrity, and the prevention of wastage and corruption;

* Sustainably manage the country’s resources so that its natural heritage can be enjoyed by all, and reduce income inequality;

* End discrimination, regardless of a person’s ethnicity or political affiliation, and reject all forms of cronyism, nepotism and monopolistic practices; and,

* Develop quality, competitive human resources with high integrity. – June 21, 2019.