PAS meet: 'Kafir' term not meant to be insulting to non-Muslims, says party's deputy president

SHAH ALAM: The word “kafir” has been abused to the extent that non-Muslims have completely misunderstood its meaning and find it insulting, says Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

The PAS deputy president said there needs to be more information and clarification from PAS to non-Muslims in their endeavour to dispel the fears of non-Muslims about the Islamist party.

He said this at a media conference held on the sidelines of the 69th PAS Muktamar being held at the IDCC Convention Centre from Oct 20 to 22.

He further said that the word “kafir” has been used by PAS’ political enemies to be insulting to non-Muslims.

“It is not meant to be insulting. There are a few types of 'kafir' - those who are hostile to Muslims, those who have no problems living among Muslims and those who have made a pact with Muslims to keep peace.

“As long as they do not go against those pacts, we too should keep to the promise and it is our duty to protect them at all costs from those attacking them," he said.

Tuan Ibrahim also said that Perikatan Nasional, which PAS was part of, has three wings where there are non-Muslims.

"One is our non-Muslim supporters’ wing, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s associate members’ wing and Gerakan, which is a multi-religious and multi-racial party.

“PAS will go all out to ensure that we address the confusion and fear which has clouded support for PAS among the non-Malays and non-Muslims.

“Green Wave-phobia has been played up by our enemies after the last general election, with fake ideas such as non-Muslims would not be allowed to practice their religions when PAS rules were bandied about.

“PAS will bring non-Muslims to see for themselves what we have done for the non-Muslims and how they live in the states run by Perikatan under PAS rule.

“For example, in Kedah, there are non-Muslims appointed to state positions as Kedah has more non-Muslims than the east coast states.

“We would also find out what are the problems being faced by non-Muslims especially in terms of cost of living,” said Tuan Ibrahim.

“As for DAP, there are some of them who are hostile but we would not regard them as enemies who need to be attacked unless they attack us first.

“When Barisan Nasional went against the oil royalty pact with the then PAS-run states in the east coast, it was wrong.

"We tried to work it out when we cooperated with Umno but it did not work out,” Tuan Ibrahim added.