PAS attempts to paint a moderate image to shake 'racist' tag

Amid accusations of being a racist party, PAS recently held a Facebook live session to tell why it is contrary to the picture painted by its detractors.

The session, called ‘Santai Kopi - Is PAS really for all?’ featured two non-Malay Muslim guests, PAS' Penang Non-Muslim Supporters Wing’s (DHPP) Steven Koh and Gerakan deputy youth information chief Cliff Thed, was aired on Wednesday evening.

Speaking to moderator Awangku Alizul Azahari, Koh said he grew to like PAS when he was assisted by lawmakers from the party when he was “suppressed” by political powers in his job as a chef when he championed the Halal food issue.

“When I won in my struggle, I was given the DHPP platform, where I, as a non-Muslim, can work together with PAS.

“Through my role in DHPP, I can assist the less fortunate, like how PAS helped me in times of need,” he said.

Koh was Perikatan Nasional’s candidate for the Bukit Mertajam parliamentary seat in the 15th general election (GE15).

Steven Koh (centre)

Thed, meanwhile, acknowledged that many non-Muslims think that the country would be “Talibanised” if PAS comes to power.

“This would scare the non-Muslims off PAS. The truth is the complete opposite.

“I have many friends who are Muslims, and none of them are extreme,” he said.

‘Hudud is fairer’

Koh chimed in, saying portraying PAS as an extremist party is a “dirty tactic” to spook the non-Muslims, akin to the Western narrative against the Taliban.

“Islam should not be feared. Hudud is fairer than the existing civil systems,” he said, referring to the Islamic law system which carries penalties that include the amputation of hands and feet, flogging, and death for crimes such as apostasy, revolt against the ruler, theft, highway robbery, adultery, slander, and drinking alcohol.

This is because many procedures have to be followed before a punishment is imposed, he said.

“Take Aceh for example. They have been practising hudud for a very long time, but they have not cut (limbs) so far.

“Furthermore, hudud only applies to Muslims, and not to non-Muslims,” Koh added.

Thed then relayed his experience of working with PAS before Gerakan became part of PN, and after.

Cliff Thed (right)

“It does not make much difference to me. I have always had many Malay friends, and the ‘fear’ against mixing with other races is often misplaced,” he said, partially attributing the issue to messages on social media.

“The message brought to each community is different, and that is a reason for the ‘fear’ of PAS,” he claimed.

He added that he can still enjoy non-halal food in PAS-led states, but the message often portrayed on social media is that the non-Muslims would be deprived of such activities if PAS came to power.

Asked if he had any message to relay to the non-Muslims about PAS, Koh stressed that PAS was a “perfect party” in all aspects.

"The party is fair to all races and religions. We must live based on facts.

“Even though PAS has been accused of cracking down on alcohol consumption, gambling, and so on, we must remember that these are bad habits. Also, such regulations do not apply to the non-Muslims,” he said, further urging the moderator to hold more programmes similar to the live session to enlighten Malaysians about the good qualities of PAS.

Thed echoed Koh’s remark of PAS being a “perfect party”, citing the party’s fight for the Malay-Muslim cause instead of positions, as an example.

“They are not like certain parties which accuse other quarters for their own failings.

“PAS’ style is moving forward. They do not prioritise positions but focus on the people’s welfare.”

You can watch the live session below: - Mkini