A PAS Youth leader has invited former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker to a dialogue after the latter said the Islamic party should adopt different strategies to win over non-Malay voters.
Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar said he took note of Ti’s views regarding PAS’s image and its approach in engaging Malaysia’s diverse society, adding that he appreciated Ti’s suggestions as it stemmed from his desire to see a more harmonious and prosperous nation.
“We welcome the views of Ti Lian Ker and invite him, as well as other concerned parties, to sit down with Selangor PAS Youth,” said Sukri in a Facebook post.
“Open dialogue is the best way to clear misunderstandings, strengthen trust and chart cooperation. Our principle is simple: ‘to know is to love’.”
Ti yesterday said that instead of harping on Malay supremacy, political Islam and moral policing – which he said terrified the non-Malay-Muslim electorate – PAS should focus on issues affecting the public.
The former deputy unity minister also outlined several strategies for PAS to woo Chinese and Indian voters, who he said tended to assess a party based on how it resolves issues related to the economy, education, cost of living and job opportunities.
Sukri today said many of the points Ti raised have long been part of PAS’s strategy through its non-Muslim supporters wing (DHPP) and other initiatives actively carried out in Selangor and across the country.
He said PAS has regularly carried out welfare programmes, disaster relief, basic legal aid, community health checks, and tuition classes for underprivileged children, regardless of race or religion.
Sukri said Selangor PAS Youth respects the educational and cultural rights of non-Malay communities as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution, and that Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, houses of worship and cultural activities are celebrated with respect and within the framework of existing laws.
The Shah Alam PAS chief also said the party’s stance was clear in that Bahasa Malaysia should be strengthened as the national language, while other languages should be empowered. He also said the cultures of all communities must be respected.
Sukri added Ti’s claim that PAS is only active on the ground during election season was false as DHPP and Selangor PAS Youth consistently participate in cultural activities, multiracial community forums, visits to houses of worship, neighbourhood gotong-royong and various cross-cultural welfare programmes.
Sukri said PAS acknowledged that the public judges parties based on results, and the party is focussed on practical solutions to issues such as the rising cost of living, job opportunities, affordable housing and quality education.
“We believe this is the inclusive political narrative all Malaysians want as we acknowledge that society cannot be won over with harsh rhetoric … Our approach is through welfare, compassion, and care.
“Food basket programmes, community service centres, tuition classes for new converts and interfaith visits are consistently being carried out.
“This is the true face of Islam-centric politics — compassionate and providing real solutions to people’s daily needs.”
