LET’S give Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang marks for trying. He has posted at least three pictures of himself and family, dressed up in red Chinese New Year costumes, for the festival.
The PAS president spoke of his ties with the Chinese community including his daughter-in-law and many other family members adopted by his grandfather – whom he regarded as his blood uncles.
To be fair, this is not the first time that he has posted pictures of himself and family members for CNY and shared stories of how he attended meals hosted by Aisyah Lim, his daughter-in-law.
In his Facebook post on Sunday (Jan 22), Abdul Hadi wrote of how his grandfather provided refuge to non-Muslim Chinese refugees, who arrived at the East Coast during the Second World War.
But the comments on news portals from netizens have drawn more sarcasm than praise despite his efforts, which included attending CNY open houses in Kuala Lumpur.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, a lawyer, who is regarded to have a moderate image, also uploaded a CNY greeting.
The MP for Kota Baru was the only PAS leader to carry a Merry Christmas message last December, as in previous years.
Perikatan Nasional leaders especially those from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Gerakan have heard much criticism and feedback from Malaysians, including even Malays, on how they feared the “Green Wave”, which has seen huge gains for the Islamist party in the recent general election.
From insisting on a beer promoter covering up beer bottles at a mall in Seberang Jaya, Penang, for CNY to shutting down betting shops in Kedah and previously, calling for Muslims to stay away from a Japanese cultural festival in Selangor, their actions have spooked Malaysians.
Worse, many have the impression that Abdul Hadi is an apologist for corruption, rightly or wrongly, because it fits his political expediency.
His past irrational outbursts which included blaming non-Muslims as the root of corruption in Malaysia have not endeared him to Malaysians either, who find his politics disturbing in a multi-racial country.
But PAS politicians are seasoned, don’t underestimate them. Despite their religious dress and serban, they remain politicians, who are prepared to compromise their principles and positions.
They have worked with Umno, whom they had once declared as infidels, and even with DAP, which they have branded as communists, among others.
If it suits them politically, these theologians will sing differently to their hardcore listeners, who believe everything they say, including passages to heaven for voting for them.
PAS leaders have big ambitions. Their final game plan is to be in the Federal Government again, and they know it is not possible without their PN partners, and Sabah and Sarawak.
They will bite their teeth and do what is necessary to win the votes from non-Muslims to achieve their ambitions.
Recently, Abdul Hadi met Gerakan leaders in Penang to take on questions from their partner, in which he conceded his readiness to adopt a softer approach, but he drew the line – PAS is determined to finish off gaming and liquor businesses – not even being limited to non-Muslims.
Selangor PAS has also announced the appointment of a Chinese special officer to the state commissioner, to assist him in reaching out to the non-Malays, especially non-governmental organisations including Indian groups.
Selangor has almost a 40% population of non-Malays and their votes are crucial in the coming state elections, expected by June.
One top Bersatu leader said he had spoken to PAS leaders and pointed out that during the swearing-in of PAS MPs, only two MPs including Abdul Hadi were in serban, saying the rest wore the songkok and suits.
”We understand the optics and narrative. It’s not easy for these PAS leaders but they understand. Many Malaysians missed that subtlety in Parliament,’’ he said, and took a jibe at the Prime Minister, saying he became the first PM to deliver a New Year message at a mosque.
At the private meeting, the Bersatu leader listened to journalists, including Muslims, who spoke of their fears of PAS.
It will take more than just CNY red costume pictures and open house visits to convince the majority of Malaysians.
Again, PAS has always been more interested in form than substance. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Malaysia Madani concept, with its emphasis on compassion, tolerance and embracing of diversity, sounds like a better narrative.
But Malaysians want more than just words and slogans from politicians regardless of their parties. Talk is cheap, walk the talk.
