STATE POLLS | PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s caustic statements and not the “Green Wave” have struck fear in the hearts of non-Muslims, according to DAP lawmaker Hannah Yeoh.
She said this in response to PAS Youth committee member Nazrul Hakim Nazari, who blamed the Islamist party’s political rivals for sowing this perception among non-Muslims.
Yeoh (above) and Nazrul were panellists of an online forum organised by electoral watchdog Bersih to discuss if the Aug 12 state elections were a referendum on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government.
The youth and sports minister suggested that Nazrul relook Hadi’s speeches.
“Why do people see this as a ‘Green Wave’? Why is PAS seen as extremist?
“I suggest that Nazrul view Hadi’s speeches. He makes numerous comments that alarm the non-Muslims, which are reported in the newspapers.
“I agree that when Tok Guru Nik Aziz (Nik Mat) led PAS, the people were less fearful of PAS. But the current leadership frightens the non-Muslims,” she added.
The late Nik Aziz served as PAS spiritual leader until his death in 2015.
Second-class citizens
Earlier, Nazrul answered a question from a forum viewer on why PAS “treated non-Muslims as second-class citizens” and why they should vote for Perikatan Nasional.
He dismissed this perception and blamed PAS’ opponents for casting a negative light on the party.
“This line has been used against PN and PAS for a long time, especially (the allegation) that non-Malay-Muslims are treated as second-class citizens.
“We have always denied this,” he added.
No discrimination
Nazrul pointed out that non-Muslims under the leadership of PAS in Terengganu and Kelantan do not face such discrimination.
He said the non-Muslims in these states were free to practise the religion of their choice.
“Not an inch of their places of worship was touched by the state governments.
“When we were in Pakatan Rakyat (the predecessor of Pakatan Harapan), BN brought (this perception against us). Now, it is DAP (which is creating this perception),” he added.
PAS and DAP had been allies twice, once in Barisan Alternatif and later in Pakatan Rakyat.
PN has termed this Saturday’s elections in six states as a referendum on the Harapan-BN coalition government, with Hadi claiming a big win for PN could change the equation at the federal level.
PAS and its allies have been creating the impression that DAP is the real power behind the Anwar administration and poses a threat to the Malays and Islam.
Whereas DAP has been warning non-Muslims that their rights would be at risk if PN comes to power. - Mkini
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