PKR prefers a more moderate approach to Islam in comparison with PAS’ punitive approach, said Sg Kandis by-election candidate Zawawi Ahmad Mughni.

“PKR wants to promote an Islam that is more acceptable to all. A moderate approach that is different from PAS.

“It’s different from PAS and not for me to criticise them for it. Maybe, they think it’s a good way for them,” said the PKR Religious Understanding and Consolidation Bureau secretary at the PKR Sg Kandis election centre today.

Zawawi was responding to suggestions by PAS that PKR does not promote Islamic values.

“Let’s take the RUU355 issue, for instance. PAS feels there is a need to expand the shariah courts’ jurisdiction. In essence, we agree with this but the timing is not right,” said Zawawi, who holds a Master’s in Education from Universiti Malaya and a degree in Arabic from University Al-Azhar in Cairo.

The 48-year-old said PKR was more focused on improving the welfare of Malaysians.

On Barisan Nasional’s invitation to PAS to join its campaign, Zawawi said it was their right.

“It’s up to them to invite PAS but I’m confident the 7,000 PAS supporters here will vote for me,” said the Maahad Tahfiz Al Fateh principal.

Zawawi was born in Jalan Kebun. His father was a local village chief and has a road named after him – Jalan Mughni.

Meanwhile, Zawawi promised to make Sg Kandis the best state constituency if he is elected.

“I want the villages here to be the cleanest and the best. And, I’m committed to helping the community protect the environment from illegal rubbish dumping and burning.”

He hopes to achieve this with a three-pronged approach – education and awareness programmes, application of rules and enforcement of laws.

“It’s is God’s mandate to us to protect the environment,” he added.

Zawawi said he had received complaints about illegal rubbish dumping on his campaign walks in Sg Kandis and Jalan Kebun. – July 23, 2018.