Pas should practise what it preaches about diversity

The party should remember that respect must be earned and not be forced on others. Respect is also a two-way street and must be mutual

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Aliran welcomes Pas’ recent call for all parties in Malaysia to advocate mutual respect between communities in our collective effort to foster national harmony and unity.

The party’s Lunar New Year message stressed that diversity, respect and understanding are vital for the nation’s survival.

Pas secretary general Takiyuddin Hassan said dialogue will help resolve actions that undermine interfaith relations.

“Specifically, several recent incidents and controversies involving Islamic teachings, laws and Muslims’ dietary needs would not have occurred if all parties had respected and understood the boundaries and sensitivities of each community,” he said.

These remarks are probably a veiled reference to recent controversies such as the recent KK Mart ‘ham’ label episode at the University of Malaya campus.

It appears the party would like non-Muslims to appreciate Muslim sensitivities, such as their dietary restrictions.

However, in the interest of fairness and goodwill, Pas should remember that respect must be earned and not be forced on others. Respect is also a two-way street and must be mutual.

Consider how certain Pas politicians have indulged in slandering other politicians, particularly those from the DAP. This has given rise to a certain level of suspicion and ill-feeling in society.

It also does not help when non-Muslims are collectively blamed for the endemic corruption in the country. Remember how in 2022, Pas president Hadi Awang claimed that non-Muslims and non-bumiputras formed the majority of the “roots of corruption”.

Such an assertion was hardly a recipe for mutual respect and understanding. Surely, corruption is not confined to certain non-Muslims but cuts across all ethnic groups. Consider that globally infamous kleptocrat, now in prison.

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Ethnic unity and a sense of belonging could also have been undermined when Hadi claimed that ethnic Malay voter apathy had enabled the minorities and ‘liberals’ to gain control of political power in the 2022 general election.

Perhaps, the party should heed the advice of its youth wing, who said that diversity allows us to learn about each other’s differences.

Diversity should not only be appreciated between ethnic communities but also within given communities to ensure inclusivity and mutual respect in society.

The various religious rituals and cultural practices of the country’s diverse communities, including its migrant population, ought to be respected as these would enrich society. No one should be targeted on account of such differences.

As the Pas youth wing rightly pointed out, we must learn to celebrate our differences, rather than allow them to be a cause for division.

This is what many civil society groups like Aliran have been saying – that diversity is an asset we should all celebrate and treasure in multi-ethnic Malaysia.

Aliran executive committee
30 January 2025

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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Cuckoobird
Cuckoobird
4 Feb 2025 8.32am

We must never forget what PAS stands for! Hence, it is imperative that we should never, must never put them in position of power! They will destroy the peace and harmony of this country! They are not capable of running this country. Period!