PKR revives religious unit to provide alternative views on Islam

 

Saifuddin Nasution (left) says statements like the one by Abdul Hadi Awang asking the younger generation not to be ‘fooled again’ need prompt response by PKR.

PETALING JAYA: PKR has decided to revive its religious affairs bureau in a bid to project alternative views on Islam each time such matters are raised in public.

In announcing this at the party’s congress today, its secretary-general, Saifuddin Nasution, cited a statement by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who had used a religious slant asking young Malaysians not to make the same “mistake” by voting in Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the next elections (GE15).

“We hope the bureau will respond and give alternative views to various religious issues in regard to current developments.

“For example, the PAS president warned people to be careful yesterday when voting in GE15. This statement needs to be clarified to the people in terms of the party’s stance,” Saifuddin said at the party’s 15th national congress held virtually.

He said the central leadership had decided this on May 1, adding that it will be led by Amidi Abdul Manan. He hoped the committee will be able to revive and mobilise this bureau smoothly and convey the party’s stand on religious matters promptly and effectively.

Yesterday, Hadi had warned the younger generation of voters against “being fooled a second time” by allowing PH to return to power.

He claimed that in just a few days of taking over Putrajaya after the 14th general election in 2018, PH had revealed its “extreme attitude” towards Islam and its leaders, when both matters should have been defended as per Allah’s commands.

“To the younger generation who did not witness events from the past, don’t be easily swayed by media without borders that will bring regret on Earth and in the afterlife. It is enough for this major thing to serve as a lesson,” he said in a statement.

On another matter, Saifuddin said PKR’s national congress for 2021 and 2022 will be held simultaneously next year.

He said the central leadership had also decided to leave some of the party’s top posts vacant until the next party election, to be announced at a later date.

“The party’s direction will remain as it is now without filling any of these positions, which were left vacant by our former friends,” he said.

He said the annual general meetings of all branches for 2021 would also be postponed to 2022, although their annual reports must still be submitted to the Registrar of Societies by this year.

Saifuddin also announced the formation of a bureau for disabled persons.

He urged all PKRs members to continue supporting its leaders, adding that the party must position itself as a “problem solver” for the people amid a national crisis.

The national congress was held entirely online today, with 2,000 delegates taking part through the Zoom application from their homes. - FMT