Pas faces difficult path in attracting non-Muslim members

SHAH ALAM - Pas may be struggling to attract non-Muslims to join the party, even with its constitutional amendments, due to its negative reputation and image among the group.

National Professors Council senior fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir said the key factor was how Pas could develop a more inclusive policy or narrative that did not alienate non-Muslims.

He said the party has previously been perceived as extreme in its approach, particularly regarding religion and non-Islamic affairs, which has caused non-Muslims to distance themselves from Pas.

"Pas can make amendments, but the question is whether non-Malays will be attracted to join the party. Its policies are more Islam-centric; does the narrative attract them, or does it push them away?

"As long as Pas is seen as somewhat extreme in its approach, even with amendments, I think not many non-Muslims will want to join the party. There needs to be a strong motivation to encourage non-Muslims to join Pas.

"It’s true that for Pas to survive, they must recognise that Malaysia is a multiracial and multi-religious country.

"To achieve greater political success, Pas cannot rely solely on Malay or Muslim support," he told Sinar.

He was commenting on Pas' intention to amend its constitution to include clauses related to the participation of non-Muslim members in the party.

Previously, Pas spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin said in principle, non-Muslims could not become ordinary members of Pas.

Jeniri said the support from non-Malay communities was crucial, especially in urban areas, which tend to be more diverse.

"It is unlikely that Pas can compete with multiracial parties like Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP, as this is quite challenging.

"I believe that non-Muslims feel more comfortable with parties that are genuinely multiracial," he added.