Responding to 'Taliban' jibe, PAS says it stands together with non-Muslims

PAS vice-president Iskandar Samad has denied claims that his party's cooperation with Umno will give rise to an extremist government in Malaysia.

Speaking at a national unity seminar organised by the non-Muslim PAS Supporters Congress (DHPP), Iskandar said such statements likely stemmed from fear of the formal cooperation between the two parties.

"How can PAS declare war on non-Muslims? We are together with non-Muslims.

"These allegations are untrue. Likely a result of their fear of the cooperation, pushing them to make such statements," he said, alluding to statements reportedly made by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and his deputy Nga Kor Ming.

Nga, earlier this week, claimed the Umno-PAS cooperation would give rise to a Taliban-like government in Malaysia. 

Lim, meanwhile, triggered outcry by initially likening the move to a "declaration of war" on non-Muslims, before his statement was later amended to say they would be "targeted."

Contrary to claims that it was unfriendly towards non-Muslims, Iskandar said that PAS received strong support from the DHPP, as well as through the involvement of non-Muslims in PAS-led state governments.

[More to follow] - Mkini