Gerakan pushes PN for
declaration to ease non-
Malay concerns ahead of
GE16
Gerakan’s president Dominic Lau says this segment of voters has a ‘phobia’ towards PAS’s objective of making Malaysia an Islamic country.
Gerakan president Dominic Lau said there were non-Malays and non-Muslims who felt anxious and fearful of PAS, which is the largest component party within PN and holds the most seats in Parliament.
He added that this segment of voters has a “phobia” towards PAS’s policies and objectives aimed at making Malaysia an Islamic country.
“So, let’s make a declaration that Bersatu defends the rights of the Malays and PAS the Muslims, but both will not interfere with the rights of other races,” he said during his speech at Gerakan’s 52nd convention at Menara PGRM here.
Lau, who is also PN’s deputy chairman, said the non-Muslims’ fear of PAS stemmed from the party’s stance on certain issues.
“The non-Muslim community said that previously PAS talked about establishing a welfare state. Now, it speaks of creating an Islamic state.
“In the past, PAS didn’t prohibit (non-Muslims) from drinking alcohol, gambling or wearing shorts.
“But now PAS says gambling, drinking alcohol and wearing shorts are forbidden. The (non-Muslims) fear being subjected to hudud laws.
“This is why non-Malays and non-Muslims are fearful of PAS,” he said.
However, Lau also questioned why non-Malay and non-Muslim Gerakan members were now being increasingly apprehensive about the Islamic party, given that PAS’s goals had long been known widely.
“They weren’t worried before because PAS wasn’t as strong. Now, they are concerned because PAS has become the largest political party in Malaysia,” he said.
Lau said he would present the proposal for the declaration at the next PN leadership meeting.
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