Two PAS leaders agree that the term “kafir” should not be used disparagingly to insult others, especially non-Muslims.
Dr Halimah Ali, a central committee member, said that PAS, as a principled party that aspires to represent Malaysians of various backgrounds, must understand the sensitivities of the electorate they want to woo.
“PAS has never hated the non-Muslims,” the Kapar MP told FMT.
On Sunday, a leader from the PAS non-Muslim supporters’ wing called on party members to refrain from using terms like “kafir” (infidel) or “pendatang” (immigrant) as such labels would offend non-Muslims.
The wing’s Selangor chief, K Deepakaran, claimed that a small number of members still resorted to such name-calling, Malaysiakini reported. He appealed to party leaders to mind their language.
Commenting on Deepakaran’s remarks, Halimah said it was an advice for members to watch what they say to avoid any perception that they were insulting people of other communities.
“PAS has always been a good listener and will look into what has been said by the delegates.”
Another central committee member, Awang Hashim said the term “kafir”did not have a negative connotation if used in a proper setting.
He said in certain contexts, the term should be accepted especially when it came to discussing Islamic matters. Use of the term was not aimed at insulting others.
The Pendang MP said there was a need to fully understand the term, adding that it had various meanings in Arabic. “But I agree that the term could offend some and we should avoid using it. Maybe it would be better to use the term non-Muslim,” he said.
