Non-Muslims in cabinet: Hadi's speech open to interpretation, says political aide

 

In his winding-up speech at the conclusion of PAS' 72nd muktamar in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, last Saturday, party president Abdul Hadi Awang sought to paint a picture of an inclusive PAS administration should the party come to federal power.

However, his remarks about non-Muslims in cabinet and the roles they would be limited to have raised questions about what this actually means for PAS' partners should the Islamist party head the next government.

Hadi (above) said that while non-Muslims can be ministers, their roles would be limited to portfolios that oversee the execution of government policies while Muslims handle policy formulation.

As examples, he mentioned that non-Muslims could hold positions in the Works and Forestry Ministries.

Asked to elaborate on what ministries PAS considers suitable for non-Muslims, Hadi's political aide Syahir Sulaiman (above) said it was up to individuals to interpret the PAS president's remarks.

Syahir said this was not the first time Hadi had made such a distinction, adding that the two ministries mentioned by the Marang MP were merely examples.

"It depends on how one wants to interpret it - which ministries oversee the country’s core areas, and which ministries are more focused on implementation and matters concerning the people," he told Malaysiakini.

Whether these meant ministries dealing with the country's core areas would be reserved for Muslims, the Bachok MP again said the remarks were open to interpretation.

Syahir also stressed that when it comes to forming a cabinet, PAS would have to take into account the views and agreement of all stakeholders.

'PAS will be fair'

Meanwhile, the PAS Non-Muslim Supporters Wing (DHPP) said they support the position taken by Hadi on the roles of non-Muslims in a PAS cabinet.

Its chief BK Kumaresan said they have confidence that PAS will be fair to all if it gets into power.

"Whoever gets to lead the ministries would still have to table their (policy proposal) in the Dewan (Rakyat). They will get feedback first before making any policy.

"This a Muslim-majority country. DHPP has no issue with this. DHPP is not offended and we support it.

"DHPP believes that if PAS gets to lead (the country), it will be fair to all races," Kumaresan said in a text message.

Malaysiakini has also reached out to PAS' allies Gerakan and MIPP for comments.

PAS-Umno ties

PAS and its partners in the Perikatan Nasional opposition coalition are on a trajectory to form the next federal government with Umno.

The parties cooperated in the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, where they gained significant ground against Pakatan Harapan, especially in Malay-majority constituencies.

In light of this, several PAS Youth leaders have urged the party to become the linchpin in Putrajaya if it wins the next general election.

However, this might cause a clash with Umno, which aspires to lead the next government, as party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi already expressed interest in becoming prime minister. - Mkini