PAS will not join anti-apostasy rally

PAS will not participate in the anti-apostasy rally in Shah Alam this Saturday as the organisers said their event would not involve political parties.

“PAS has been informed that the event would not involve political parties, thus PAS’ position is not to participate in the rally to respect the wishes of the organiser,” said party president Abdul Hadi Awang (left) in a statement late last night.

The statement was issued after PAS’ political bureau met to discuss their position on the Himpunan Sejuta Ummah (Gathering of a Million Muslims) organised by a coalition of Muslim NGOs.

As an Islamic party, PAS has been put in a tight spot over the issue as it could not be seen not backing the rally, and at the same time being painted as an extremist outfit among non-Muslim voters by rival Umno.
Chief organiser of the rally Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid denied that the event was linked to political parties.

Specifically, Mohd Azmi told Malaysiakini that Kulim Bandar Baru MP Zulkifli Noordin, senator Ezam Mohd Noor and Pasir Mas MP Ibrahim Ali have no role in the upcoming event nor were they invited as speakers.

“Any statement issued by them regarding the event does not represent that from the organisers,” said Mohd Azmi.

The rally was organised over the claims of increasing attempts to convert Muslims to Christianity.

The last incident which attracted widespread attention was the raid by Selangor religious authorities on a dinner event organised at a hall in the Damansara Utama Methodist Church compound.

'Don't cause friction with others'

It was claimed by Selangor Religious Affairs Department (Jais) that 12 Muslims at the event were being subject to proselytising attempts by Christian evangelists, which is forbidden by law.

Following this, an investigation was carried out and the results presented to the Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah who decreed that although there was evidence of proselytising, it was not enough for legal action to be taken.

Meanwhile, Hadi urged rally organisers to ensure that the event was held in accordance with the country’s laws to ensure Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society would not be jeopardised.

“Any efforts to raise religious and racial polemics will not create an environment that is beneficial to anyone.

“PAS views seriously attempts by anyone seeking to take advantage of the situation for political purposes,” Hadi said.

Nevertheless, PAS was supportive of attempts by NGOs or other groups to strengthen the Islamic faith as this was a commendable effort, but it should be done in a "courteous" manner.

“PAS is of the position that to strengthen the faith in Muslims, it must be done through peaceful dakwah (preaching), which is how Islam has been accepted by society in this region,” Hadi added.