Amanah taking risk by adopting centrist approach - Mujahid

 

INTERVIEW | Former religious affairs minister (Pakatan Harapan administration) Mujahid Yusof Rawa has admitted that it can get tough handling the opposition's narrative that uses race and religion.

The same goes for Amanah, which is tasked to ward off PAS' attacks, said the Amanah vice-president.

"We don't play that game (religious sentiments). We don't lie and say that we are a 'holy party'. We are a political party and we have our weaknesses.

"We champion the 'rahmatan lil alamin' concept, which promotes universal values and love and compassion among mankind and is centrist.

"Maybe with this concept, it is difficult to handle the right and left wings. But to me, the concept we are championing, although difficult, we will take the risk for the sake of a better Malaysia," Mujahid told Malaysiakini in a recent interview.

As the minister formerly in charge of religious affairs, Mujahid has personally faced the opposition's attacks on the race and religious front.

The attacks dragged on to court long after the fall of the previous Harapan government in 2020, and so far, at least two cases have sided with Mujahid.

In May this year, the Shah Alam High Court dismissed PAS leader Ahmad Dusuki Rani's appeal against the Sessions Court decision on his defamation suit involving Mujahid and ordered the former to pay the latter RM7,000 in costs.

Two years ago, PAS' mouthpiece Harakah issued an apology regarding articles involving cosmetic entrepreneur Nur Sajat.

"Next year, (it's) the same case involving posts on PAS' Facebook and I'm dragging them to court. Just wait, it will be another victory.

"So it's not fair to say (tenure in the government) has tarnished my image. In fact, it has improved my image; it has proved that what was done was right. I leave it to the people to make the comparison," he said.

Battling PAS' narrative

Mujahid pointed out that not many religious narratives were played up during the 33 months of Perikatan Nasional rule.

"For instance, concert and LGBT issues. We (Amanah) did not take the opportunity (to attack), and that's not the way we use race and religion.

"Even then (during the PN administration) concerts took place, but we know that concerts take place according to the law, and upon advice by the likes of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). What matters more is the approval by the local authorities.

"We were consistent that they (concerts) were legally conducted, and were allowed under freedom for arts and cultural activities," he said.

Amanah's approach to handling racial and religious matters widely differs, Mujahid pointed out.

"PAS' narrative is rough and hard, while Amanah's is caring and progressive.

"The best contender in this (handling PAS' narrative) is Amanah compared to PKR or DAP, so it is clear why the party has been tasked with the duty."

Amanah is currently having its annual convention in Klang, Selangor, and will head to the party polls at the end of this month.

The incoming party leadership, especially the Youth wing leader, must be vocal in countering PAS' narrative, he added.

On another matter, Mujahid said the party must also focus on building its strength to compete with PAS, especially during elections.

PAS, with decades of existence and many more branches and experience under its belt, is better than mobilising its members, he noted.

"So, Amanah has to fast track. This needs to be done by the next leadership. There's no time to wait for decades (like PAS). It is easier today (to establish a presence). People can know us via social media.

"It's not like PAS which had to clash with the mighty Umno last time. So if they (PAS) can succeed in such circumstances, why can't we (Amanah) do it with all the available facilities?" he asked.

Asked about views that Amanah's "pulling factor" was waning, Mujahid disagreed and cited the party's expansion and rise of membership.

"In Peninsular Malaysia, we are present in more than 100 areas, in Sabah 14, and five in Sarawak. In Parit Buntar, Perak alone, there are 50 branches. We have to look at the facts, about how the party expanded organically, but continuously.

"To me, losers are those who win 32-0 in Terengganu, but are still not accepted by the non-Muslims," he said, referring to PAS' clean sweep of all state seats in the last six state elections.

"That means you (PAS) are waning in the context of national politics, which is built on the foundation of racial harmony. Only a party which can provide inclusivity will stand a bright chance," he said. - Mkini