PAS mocked for wishing Merry Christmas: “Is this halal or wouldn’t this lead to slip of faith?”

 

FIRST this first. PAS should be credited for emulating Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah who extended Christmas greetings to all Christians, particularly those in Selangor, who are celebrating the occasion.

But given that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Islamist party’s underlying intention is questioned by Muslims and non-Muslims alike who doubted its sincerity – or more pointedly – if this is merely a “stunt” to make PAS affable to Malaysians of diverse ethnicity and faith.

This follows the Merry Christmas greeting conveyed by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan which chiefly stressed on the importance of “building a just, safe and dignified nation for all” amid the country’s diversity.

“The values ​​that are celebrated during the Christmas celebration – love, forgiveness, humility and community service – are also common values ​​that encompass all religions and beliefs, including Islam,” he penned on his media statement.

Very broadly, it is little wonder that people who are familiar with the antics of PAS are dumbfounded if this is merely the perceived ‘liberal minded’ Kota Bharu MP’s personal view of indeed the party’s ‘cleric-dominated’ stance given its youth wing only extended a “Happy Holidays” greeting.

This apparently led to confusion with some non-Muslim commenters likening PAS to “Parti Always Spinning” or even alleging that “they can do anything they want for they hold the keys to heaven and hell .”

Whether this is a question of “can greet but cannot celebrate” as some presumably opposition-slant commenters have defended Takiyuddin, even Muslims are at a loss with PAS’ sudden openness.

“Can now greet Merry Christmas already? Former PAS Youth chief, the son of Ayoh Chik (moniker for PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang) said it was haram,” wondered a seemingly PAS supporter.

This eventually led to detractors making a mockery of the Merry Christmas greeting by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip who is also a lawyer – from whether its “halal” to do so, “fishing for votes” or would it lead to a “slip of faith”.

Despite being poked fun at, there are some gracious Malaysians who appreciated Takiyuddin’s gesture – notwithstanding any hidden agenda.

- focus malaysia