PAS says it can foster unity between Muslim and non-Muslims in Sabah

 

PAS vice-president Nik Mohd Amar Abdullah says the party disagrees with the notion that they were unfit to be a part of the Sabah government.

PETALING JAYA: PAS vice-president Nik Mohd Amar Abdullah has justified a proposal for a representative from the party to be one of six nominated assemblymen in Sabah, saying PAS was capable of “contributing meaningfully” to the state.

New Straits Times quoted him as saying this was based on the party’s success in administering Kelantan for the past 30 years.

He said he was hoping that Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor would still choose a PAS man to be a nominated assemblyman, saying the party had experience in managing state matters.

Amar had also hit out at PBS president Maximus Ongkili for opposing the proposal for a PAS man to be a nominated member of the Sabah state assembly.

“Based on our experience in administrating Kelantan for 30 years, I believe we can provide a meaningful contribution to Sabah.

“We disagree with those who say PAS is not fit to be part of the Sabah government. What Ongkili had said cannot be accepted.

“PAS is a registered political party which has never caused any trouble since its inception,” he told NST.

While admitting that his party had “crossed the line” on certain matters in the past, he maintained that did not equate party members to be “extremists” or lousy assemblymen.

“PAS’ contribution can be seen in Kelantan. Muslims and non-Muslims live in harmony and they are not being treated differently,” he added.

Under the state constitution, the state government may appoint up to six nominated members to the state assembly. The ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah alliance has 38 seats in the 73-member assembly.

Previously, Barisan Nasional secretary-general Annuar Musa had said he expected PAS, the coalition’s political ally in Muafakat Nasional, to be given a nominated assemblyman spot.

However, Ongkili said PBS had informed Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin and Hajiji that the party was against such a move.

Ongkili said the party’s views expressed the misgivings and concerns of the Sabahan public and the need to consider the broader legal and political implications of the proposed appointment. - FMT