The President of PAS, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, emphasized the importance of the party being accepted by all regardless of religion and race during the 69th muktamar (general assembly) on Friday (Oct 20) in Shah Alam. Abdul Hadi stated that the party’s post-election analysis revealed a failure to gain support from non-Muslims and disinterested Malays.
He highlighted the achievements of PAS, including the highest number of parliamentary seats in the party’s history during the last general election. Abdul Hadi attributed these successes to the party’s strengths, such as support from young voters, effective use of social media, good governance in the states, a clean image, increased membership, and election readiness. However, he acknowledged the need for PAS to counter the Islamophobic narrative that unfairly criticizes the party’s performance and governance.
Abdul Hadi also emphasized PAS’s openness to collaboration and understanding with moderate non-Muslims, allowing them to study Islamic knowledge and engage with its teachings under proper guidance. He emphasized the importance of interpreting the Quran with adequate knowledge and expertise, regardless of whether the interpreter is Muslim or non-Muslim.
In his speech, Abdul Hadi criticized the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional government for not adhering to the concept of federalism and not working with the opposition on people’s issues. He expressed concern over the unresolved problems of inflation, rising prices of essential goods, and insufficient attention given to critical matters like ensuring an adequate rice supply and combating economic misconduct.
Abdul Hadi called on PAS to strategically position more leaders who are willing to engage in debates on government policies and advocate for public concerns. He emphasized the importance of effective media utilization to disseminate information to the general public and audiences across party lines.
Regarding the concept of a “welfare state” practiced by Perikatan and PAS, Abdul Hadi highlighted that benevolence encompasses all aspects, including matters of faith, social dimensions, family, and community life. He also stressed the need for constant evaluation of the party’s performance at all levels to ensure readiness for elections.
Abdul Hadi reiterated PAS’s consistent call for the unity of all Muslims, emphasizing that division weakens collective strength and leads to the erosion of Malay Muslim interests, the questioning of Islam’s privileges and Malay rights. He emphasized that this call for Muslim unity does not infringe upon the rights of non-Malays and non-Muslims, as PAS is committed to upholding religious freedom and justice as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. The muktamar was held in solidarity with the people of Palestine, highlighting PAS’s support for Muslim unity.
