PAS needs to overcome the barriers between the party and the non-Muslims in a wise manner, says its president Abdul Hadi Awang. 

He said apart from Malay-Muslim parties, PAS should approach and collaborate with non-Muslim parties and civil society groups through the PAS Supporters’ Congress (DHPP). 

“PAS today has DHPP. DHPP must play a role among the non-Muslims. Look for parties, look for civil society groups including those that are run by non-Muslims, but don’t look for those who are at odds with us,” he said in his closing speech at the PAS annual general assembly in Alor Setar today.

He added that PAS needs to reach out to non-Muslim voters, especially those who do not have any party affiliation, to vote for Muslim candidates.

“If DAP can nominate Indian candidates in Chinese areas, why can’t we attract the Chinese community to support us during the general election? This is a weakness we need to overcome,” he said.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hasan when met by the press after the meeting confirmed that official and unofficial negotiations concerning the Muafakat Nasional pact with Umno are being undertaken “at certain levels”. 

“When we discuss with Umno, it’s not necessarily with certain leaders, it might lead in that direction, but as usual, we hold discussions at certain levels we do not need to disclose,” he said.

Yesterday, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said there are no Umno leaders currently engaged in discussions with PAS as previously alleged by Hadi. – Bernama, September 4, 2022.