WHAT! MERRY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM PAS??? - WHAT IS MALAYSIA'S MOST RADICAL ISLAMIST PARTY UP TO NOW!

Written by Stan Lee, Politics Now!

KUALA LUMPUR (Politics Now!) - Believe it or not, it's now OK for Malays to wish Christians "Merry Christmas"! 

Pas, the largest, most-influential and perhaps also the most radical political party in the country, has done a volte-face, sending out Christmas greetings to all Christian Malaysians - even wishing them a smooth and harmonious festive season.

"Maybe they have realized they need non-Malay votes too if they are to get anywhere close to becoming the next government," a pundit told Politics Now!

"But in the spirit of give and take, non-Malays should welcome the olive branch although with a pinch of salt. How Hadi and his party can at moment's notice change stance should not be forgotten so quickly. They will have to do better and show that this is not just a play for votes. It's still an uphill climb for them to get non-Malays to trust them. For me, this mini 'thaw' benefits Malays, especially Pas supporters, more than it does the non-Malays. More than anyone else in the country, Malays need to breathe the clean air of progress if they are to break out of regress mode and join the modern and moderate world. For too long, they have been shackled by the chains of a political Islam used by unscrupulous politicians to handcuff their loyalty."

The pundit was referring to Hadi Awang, the Pas president known for his hardline stance.

On Christmas Eve, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan had issued a statement to point out that the various religious and cultural events celebrated in Malaysia are a manifestation of "our culture of gentleness, tolerance and mutual respect that long has been firmly established in our society."

"Thus, it must be defended from any inclinations that may weaken the practice of such qualities, as well as nurtured with the awareness that the existing diversity is a treasure for Malaysian society which adds value to the quality of our togetherness," said the Islamist party.

Pas is always open to such diversity because the core of Islamic teachings also embraces such reality, Takiyuddin added.

ALLY TO FOE TO ALLY AGAIN?

Formerly an ally of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan coalition, Pas had slammed the door on moderation - even ignoring the country's multiracial and multicultural roots and composition - following the death of its spiritual leader Nik Aziz in 2015.

It is now the lynchpin party in the PN main opposition bloc, and controls 49 of the federal Parliament's 222 seats. It also controls the 4 state governments of Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis and Terengganu but while it has won the hearts and minds of heartland Malay voters, control of the federal government eludes it - due mainly to its perceived extremist, ultra-conservative politics and the backward and regressive policies that it frames. 

Of late, there has also been talk that Pas might withdraw from the opposition to join Anwar's unity government. However, its leaders have issued heated denials.

"As an Islamic party, Pas celebrates and is always open to such diversity, not only as a special feature of our society, but also as the core of Islamic teachings which embraces such reality in the bonds of our great human family, inclusive of people of all races, cultures and religions, legally and honorably."

"Merry Christmas and happy holidays," said Takiyuddin.

Written by Stan Lee, Politics Now!

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