PAS reserves support for anti-apostasy rally

Selangor PAS will only support the Himpunan Sejuta Umat convention meant to protect the faith of Muslims, scheduled on Oct 22, if it does not involve putting followers of different religions at loggerheads.

Speaking at a press conference today, Selangor PAS commissioner Dr Abdul Rani Osman said this is because such moves only serve to cover up the real problems faced by Muslims.

Abdul Rani (left) said that setting one religion against the other, "without any proof of wrongdoing which can stand in court" should be avoided.

"Such moves only serve to cover up the problems befalling Muslims...and puts the blame on other parties," he said.

The Meru state assemblyperson added that PAS is "principally in support of any effort to solidify the faiths of Muslims" as only this can lead to a stronger community.

However, he said, the organisers should instead focus on the "real threats" to the faith like "racism, secularism and materialism" and to find solutions to these challenges.

Selangor PAS also cautions the organisers from "being influenced by certain parties to cause friction between the religions on Selangor.

"Such moves have political agenda for the purpose of attacking Pakatan Rakyat," he said.

Against Christianisation

A group of Muslim NGOs will be hosting an event called Himpunan Sejuta Umat (Congregation of a Million Followers) with the theme "Save the Faith of the Umat".

According to its website, top of the event's objectives is to "measure the unity among Muslims particularly against the Christianisation efforts on Aug 3."

On Aug 3, the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) searched the Damansara Utama Methodist Church, following a tip off that proselytisation efforts were underway.

The church premises was used by NGO Harapan Komuniti for a thanksgiving dinner, which was attended by several Muslims.

More than 25 NGOs have pledged support for the event, which will take place at the Shah Alam Stadium, including PAS

[More to follow]