VIRTUES UNRECOGNIZABLE TO PAS HARDLINERS? Islam looks at trustworthiness & capability NOT male or female - PKR's Zuraida

PAS' denial has failed to douse the burning speculation that the Islamic party is opposed to Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail becoming Selangor menteri besar because of her gender.

PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin reminded PAS today that Islam does not look at gender, but whether a person is able to perform his or her their duties or not.

"If it is true that PAS is rejecting Wan Azizah because of her gender and that it is basing this on Islam, then PAS has to realise that Islam does not look at gender.

"Islam looks at trustworthiness and whether a person is able to carry out his or her duties or not," the Ampang MP told Malaysiakini.

Zuraida also expressed confidence that Wan Azizah would be able to discharge her duties effectively if she becomes menteri besar.

Yesterday, PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali said PAS objected to Wan Azizah's candidacy but was tight-lipped on the reasons for the party decision.

However, Mustafa denied that the PAS decision was because of gender.

Pressed on the issue, Mustafa said the reasons have been conveyed to PKR but could not be revealed to the media.

Meanwhile, Zuraida pointed out how women's roles in government are important, and that they are good at multi-tasking.

"Just look at other countries, like Bangladesh and India, where women are or were the country leaders.

"Gender should not be used as an excuse," she stressed.

Zuraida said if it was not true that PAS was rejecting Wan Azizah because of gender, then the party should give a formal explanation on the matter.

"If it is true or otherwise, explain the reasons. Then we can discuss so that we can come to a final say on the matter," she added. -M'kini