SHAH ALAM - Those who persist in labelling Pas as extreme towards non-Muslims are merely political opponents deliberately shaping perceptions to damage the party's reputation and credibility among non-Muslims.
The remark was made by chairman of the Islamist party’s non-Muslim arm, Pas Supporters Assembly Balasubramaniam Nachiappan, who stressed that Pas has always been committed to its mission of seeking unity for all.
He claimed that those who depicted Pas as an anti-non-Muslim party were envious of Pas' integrity and strength, which had been increasingly accepted by the Malaysians, particularly among the Malay community.
"Pas’ firmness in unifying the ummah and collaborating with non-extremist non-Muslims reflects Pas' position of not opposing non-Muslims, as alleged by political enemies.
"Although Pas' policy is Islam, it adheres to the concept of non-compulsion in matters of religion, even though Islam holds full authority in governance," he said in his winding-up speech of the 69th Pas Muktamar, here, today.
He made it clear that justice was practiced by Pas and has been successfully demonstrated in the governments of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis, where followers of other religions were not hindered in their beliefs.
He also said that no places of worship have been demolished, no economic activities have been blocked and no non-Muslim communities were made to suffer under the Pas government in those states.
Balasubramanian added that the Pas Supporters Assembly will continue to promote the national unity agenda through the framework of ummah unity and the slogan 'Islam for all,' especially in approaching non-Muslim groups.
"We are determined in our aim to remind Malaysians that Islam advocates fairness for all,” he said.