Revving start: Afnan Hamimi arriving on a yellow motorbike during the opening of the PAS Youth assembly at the Kedah PAS Complex, Alor Setar. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Tuan Ibrahim: Such a decision must be reached through consensus
ALOR SETAR: PAS will not rush into nominating a prime minister candidate for the Perikatan Nasional coalition, says its deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
“Such an important decision must be discussed and reached through a consensus among all coalition members to pick the poster boy for the 16th General Election,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the PAS Youth assembly here yesterday.
He was commenting on PAS’ coalition partner Bersatu, which had decided last week to nominate its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister if Perikatan wins the general election.
Bersatu leaders reached the decision at the party’s own annual general assembly on Sept 7.
At the PAS Youth assembly yesterday, its chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden urged his members to increase cross-cultural welfare programmes and visits to non-Muslims during festivals to prove to the community that the party is not extreme.
The party must be able to convince non-Muslims that it upholds justice and fairness for all, said Afnan Hamimi, who is also Alor Setar MP.
“An Islamic party is not about oppression, but about safeguarding the rights of every citizen, regardless of creed and religion,” he said in his keynote speech at the assembly at the Kedah PAS Complex.
He said Islam teaches Muslims to treat all non-Muslims with kindness and justice, and PAS Youth must uphold this principle.
“All non-Muslims in the country live in peace and security, with no racial disturbances, hostility or enmity,” he said.
However, PAS’ enemies have accused it of forcing non-Muslims to wear headscarves while their places of worship would be torn down if the party comes to federal power, Afnan Hamimi said.
“All of this is mere propaganda. The reality is that in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis, the non-Muslims live in peace,” he said.
In order to counter such propaganda, PAS must increase its cross-cultural welfare programmes, civilisational dialogues and festive visitations with non-Muslims, he added.
Among those present during the assembly were PAS vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad, secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, PAS Ulama chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhamad Sanusi Md Nor.
Bersatu youth wing chief Mohd Hilman Idham and Gerakan youth wing chief Wong Chia Zen were among the Perikatan Nasional party leaders present.
The youth wing’s assembly marked the start of the party’s six-day muktamar, which is scheduled to go on till Sept 16.
The party’s women and ulama wings are also expected to hold their individual assemblies during this period.
The main assembly is slated to take place between Sept 15 and 16.
Among the issues which are expected to be brought up are the proposed Urban Renewal Bill, Muhyiddin’s nomination as Perikatan’s prime minister candidate and the high cost of living.
Over 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s muktamar.
