PAS leaders urge members to drop ‘kafir’ label for non-Muslims

 

PAS leaders have called on members to refrain from using the word “kafir” when referring to non-Muslims, marking a notable shift in the party’s tone on sensitive language.

Central committee member Dr Halimah Ali said PAS, as a party seeking support from all Malaysians, must respect the sensitivities of non-Muslims and avoid words that may be perceived as derogatory.

Her colleague, Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim, agreed, noting that while the term has specific meanings in Arabic, it may offend non-Muslims and should be replaced with “non-Muslim” in daily discourse.

The call comes after the PAS Supporters’ Congress (DHPP) reminded delegates at the party’s annual assembly to avoid divisive labels like “kafir” and “pendatang”, stressing that PAS must project inclusive politics.

“DHPP wishes to remind, with love, that party leaders at all levels must be careful in their use of language. Do not use terms that could hurt the feelings of any party.

“The people of Malaysia want politics that brings peace, not division,” Selangor PAS Supporters’ Congress DHPP chief K Deepakaran said in a speech at the 71st PAS Central Annual Muktamar at the PAS Complex in Kedah, Alor Setar, last week. —  Focus Malaysia