TEMERLOH: Non-Muslims can now join PAS as associate members after the party amended its constitution to open up its membership, says Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
The PAS secretary-general said there are now two types of membership in the party, with associate membership available to adherents of faiths other than Islam.
"The conditions to become regular PAS members remain unchanged. To be an associate member, one must practice a religion other than Islam.
"This means atheists cannot become associate members of PAS," he said when tabling the special motion for amendments to the party constitution during the 70th PAS muktamar in Kerdau on Saturday (Sept 14).
Takiyuddin also announced that, alongside this amendment, the Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS (DHPP) would be elevated to become a full party wing.
He stated that this change would grant DHPP members more rights and roles, allowing them to vote and be voted into posts within the wing.
The move was part of a series of amendments to the party constitution.
Among the changes was the formation of a new Dewan As-Sabiqun as a platform for PAS members aged 60 and above to contribute their views and experience.
An amendment to include anti-party hopping regulations was also made, which will result in the cessation of membership for any PAS elected representative who switches allegiance to another party or coalition that does not include PAS as a member.
Takiyuddin said the amendments were necessary to strengthen the party and make it more dynamic and inclusive across racial and religious lines, especially in facing future challenges.
The motion was passed after getting two-thirds of the support from the 1,324 delegates present at the assembly.
