The next General Election in Malaysia (GE16) is expected to take place in 2027, but discussions around the historic event have already begun. The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has expressed hope about leading both Perikatan Nasional (PN) and the country.
Should PAS win GE16, the party has assured Malaysians that it will not interfere with the religious rights of the non-Muslim community.
Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man
PAS Deputy President, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, in a speech delivered at a convention in Sungai Petani, Kedah yesterday (13 September), stated that Islamic teachings protect religious rights, and emphasised that PAS has never forced anyone to convert.
“We cannot force anyone to join the religion because coercion is not sincere. Only voluntary participation is acceptable.”
Says PAS will respect non-muslim rights
Tuan Ibrahim also addressed accusations aimed at tarnishing the party’s image, including claims that PAS is extremist, racist, anti–non-Muslim, and in some cases, likened to the Taliban.
He reassured Malaysians that if PAS wins the upcoming GE, the party will not interfere in the lifestyles of non-Muslims.
“Some people also say that if PAS comes to power, temples will be demolished and people will not be allowed to wear shorts.”
“If you want to know whether this is true, you can go to Kelantan, where there is also the largest reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia,” he added.
In case you weren’t aware, the sleeping Buddha is featured at Wat Phothivihan Temple in Tumpat, Kelantan.
In his speech, Tuan Ibrahim reiterated that PAS’s struggle is fair for all races in Malaysia, and said that all PAS leaders are bound by the rules set by the Almighty.
“If we are not fair to people of all races and backgrounds, it’s not just the people who will reject us — it will bring God’s wrath upon us.”
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