Malaysian political party PAS has released a statement earlier today saying that they will respect the freedom of lifestyles that non-Muslims are inherently granted with under the Constitution, and denies claims that they will enact oppressive policies against them should they form the next Federal Government under the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
This comes after concerns began mounting amid swirling discussions between PN, GPS, and GRS leadership to potentially form a coalition government to achieve the required number of seats to call a majority win.
The 15th General Elections in Malaysia led to the nation’s first-ever hung Parliament, whereby no political coalition was able to obtain the necessary 112 seats for a decisive win, hence requiring the intervention of His Majesty KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Pakatan Harapan led with 82 seats, while Perikatan Nasional came in close behind with 73 seats.
PAS vows to respect the freedoms granted to non-Muslims
In their statement that was released to the party’s official social media channels by Takiyuddin Hassan, they vow to continue upholding the concept of open dialogue and discussion between all parties in government, even while they may be the single party that holds the most seats in Parliament. This is evidenced to how they have consistently conceded to collective decisions during their 31 months of participation in the previous Federal Government.
“PAS always respects the multifaceted and plural nature of Malaysians that hail from different religions, traditions, and religion, as well as their rights and freedoms to adopt their own respective lifestyles as enshrined under the Federal Constitution.” it reads.
Responding to criticisms that they will attempt to enact policies that will prove oppressive to non-Muslims especially in East Malaysia, the statement categorically denies such allegations and adds that everybody, including those hailing from Sabah and Sarawak, will be allowed to live their lives in accordance to their own beliefs without interference.
“Moreover, PAS strictly abides by the Islamic principle of ‘no compulsion in religion’, where no parties have the right to force non-Muslims into converting, unless they wanted to do so of their own free will.”
Speaking on the diversity of their own party, PAS goes on to highlight that their membership consists of people hailing from an assortment of educational backgrounds and professionals from varying sectors. You may read the full statement below:
All political coalitions are expected to submit their Parliamentary numbers and Prime Minister candidates to His Majesty KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong by 2.00pm today.
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