PAS turns to non-Muslim supporters in search for national unity

Amid what was perceived as a rise in alleged attempts to undermine racial and religious harmony in the country, the PAS non-Muslim Supporters Congress (DHPP) today organised a seminar to find a "formula" for national unity.

At the end of the half-day session, Selangor PAS national unity bureau chief Dr Halimah Mohd Ali, however, conceded that there is no one single formula that could be summarised from the discussions, which also featured three other speakers.

At the same time, the former Selat Kelang assemblyperson said PAS recognised the role of DHPP members as its voice among non-Muslim communities, including to extend greetings during various religious celebrations.

"Next time if there is anyone asking, particularly people from the 'other side'... DHPP is PAS.

"Kumutha can wish, Mr Bala, you can wish, you're representing PAS," said Halimah, addressing DHPP women's chief R Kumutha and DHPP chief N Balasubramaniam, among those present during the seminar held at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Halimah, who earlier spoke about Selangor's experience in managing racial relations during her time in government, said this in response to Kumutha's concern that Muslim PAS leaders have been reluctant to extend official greetings during non-Muslim religious and cultural festivals, unlike Muslim leaders from Harapan.

"You're representing PAS. Anything about non-Muslim, you can answer. That is recognition of PAS of you," said Halimah.

To another question from Kumutha on the perception among non-Muslims that the syariah court has failed to protect the rights of single mother Indira Gandhi, PAS lawyer Zubir Embong said the situation arises from our legal system that separates the function of the civil and syariah courts.

"There are many elements of civil law that do not go against Islam," Zubir explained, adding that alleged attacks against the syariah system had stalled plans to harmonise elements of syariah and civil laws.

Indira's long-running court battles had made headlines and she is still fighting to be reunited with her youngest daughter Prasana Diksa, who was abducted by her estranged ex-husband Muhammad Riduan Abdullah in March 2009.

Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun recently said the police had no new leads on the whereabouts of Riduan and Prasana.

According to news reports, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) had, in February last year, set up a Syariah and Harmonisation of Law Division to look into issues related to Islam and syariah laws arising at the federal and international levels.

It was reported that establishment of the division was based on Clause (2) of Article 145 of the Federal Constitution, which stipulates the AG is responsible for advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the cabinet or any minister on any legal matter.

The formation of this new division was at the time regarded as an important step because it will be the focal point for any Syariah-related issues referred to the AGC.

'Focus on similarities, not differences’

Chinese-Muslim author Ann Wan Seng, meanwhile, urged Muslims and non-Muslims to find points of similarities between them, rather than focus on differences which largely stems from culture.

For example, he said Muslims should not have fear of eating at Chinese or Indian vegetarian restaurants, or go back to a time where it was more common to enjoy a cup of coffee with toast at a kopitiam, commonly associated with the Chinese Hainan community in Malaysia. - Mkini