While PAS has promised partner Gerakan that it is committed to multi-racialism, its actions seem to show that recent election victories have gone to its head, with the tirade against alcohol and gambling.
This is not good for Malaysia’s international image.
WHEN PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang met Gerakan leaders at their headquarters in Penang on Monday night, he told his Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition partner that the Islamist party was committed to a multi-racial Malaysia.
He reminded them that both parties, which were in opposition during the 1969 general election, had brought stability to the country following that year’s racial riots.
Then, Gerakan wrested control of Penang and PAS captured Kelantan.
Both parties later joined the newly-formed Barisan Nasional led by UMNO, which replaced the Alliance.
PAS left the coalition in 1997, with Gerakan following suit after the 2018 General Election.
Hadi reassured Gerakan leaders that his party was prepared to improve its image and soften its stand, including allowing Christmas greetings, something that its leaders had frowned upon.
But there was a red line – it would never compromise on issues regarding liquor or gaming.
Meeting the media after the meeting, the hardline leader blamed Islamophobia for the fear of PAS and warned that the green tsunami that swept through much of the country in the 15th General Election would continue in the coming state elections.
Hadi can say what he wants, but if he really understands and appreciates Malaysia’s diversity, he wouldn’t be constantly making harsh and outrageous statements.
In fact, his party has also single-handedly demolished many Malay cultural practices, citing adherence to Islam.
As Terengganu Mentri Besar in 1999, Hadi’s first regressive act was to demolish the giant turtle replica at a Terengganu roundabout. He claimed it was a form of idol worship.
Instead of reassuring Penangites, PAS has pushed its agenda further in that state as well.
For the first time, a PAS Member of Parliament from the state has marched into a mall and insisted that a beer promotion, held in conjunction with Chinese New Year (CNY), be covered up.
The video of the march in Seberang Jaya by PAS theologian Muhammad Fawwaz Muhammad Jan has gone viral.
The poor Sunway Mall executives who met the Permatang Pauh MP, who beat Nurul Izzah Anwar in the recent elections, looked nervous. Who could blame them for seeming timid?
The people of Kelantan and Terengganu may be familiar with PAS leaders playing moral police, but not those in Penang.
He has no business imposing his wishes on the beer promoters, as it is not his jurisdiction. As an MP, he has no authority, for sure.
And please do not tell us that other religions also forbid drinking and gambling – the standard PAS narrative in justifying such actions against others.
If beer sales are doing well during CNY, it simply means there are good sales. It’s a question of demand and supply.
It is also standard practice for many to receive CNY hampers with a bottle of whiskey or brandy.
Many families also play card games during the festival, with some wagering small amounts of money.
The huge win in the general election has perhaps gone to the head of the theologian politicians, bringing about such actions by PAS.
But this has not helped Malaysian tourism. A series of statements on clamping down on bikinis, booze and gambling have made it to the international media, including in Hong Kong, Singapore and across the globe via Bloomberg.
The South China Morning Post, for one, said PAS was sending a ‘’chilling signal of creeping religious conservatism.’’
Call it political bravado or whatever, Hadi had told his Gerakan partners and the media that Perikatan – which also includes Bersatu – was confident it would sapu (sweep) the state seats under the parliamentary seats won by PN in the 15th General Election (GE15).
He claimed that PN did not just win Malay votes but also non-Malay votes.
We do not know what Hadi is taking, but he should know by now that Malaysian voters are surprising our politicians.
After winning handsomely in Melaka, Sabah and Johor, a confident Barisan Nasional pushed for GE15 only to find itself humiliated.
I do not know if Gerakan leaders were convinced by Hadi’s assurances. If they do, they need help.
