Pas cannot compel support with exclusive claim to fighting for Islam - Khairuddin

SHAH ALAM – It is inappropriate for Pas to issue a fatwa compelling people to support them by claiming to be the sole party fighting for Islam, according to Umno ulama council executive secretary Datuk Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali.

He highlighted that this narrative has also led to election-related feuds between supporters of different parties.

"While Pas can identify as an Islamic party, it is not correct to assert itself as the only Islamic party while disregarding the Islamic beliefs of others.

"Islam and the struggle for Islam belong to all Muslims involved in politics through various political parties," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Mohd Khairuddin further expressed concerns about the impact of Malaysia's changing political climate, particularly with regard to Pas, on other parties collaborating with them.

He pointed out that during their partnership with Umno under the Muafakat Nasional (MN) concept, no accusations of takfir were made against Pas.

However, as soon as the main Malay party, Umno, competed with Pas in the 15th General Election (GE15), the rhetoric of "damnation if you vote for anyone other than Pas" resurfaced.

"Today, the Bersatu has formed an alliance with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) that includes Pas.

"If there comes a day when Bersatu is no longer aligned with Pas, this practice of disregarding the faith of others will also affect Bersatu," he added.