PAS TO ACCOMMODATE NON-MUSLIMS

Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) has agreed in principle to set up a non-Muslim wing comprising members from the party’s supporters club set up in 2005. The decision was reached at a PAS retreat in Langkawi last weekend attended by all party leaders. PAS supporters’ club president Hu Phang Chiau confirmed the setting up of the wing, saying it was a breakthrough for club members which he claimed numbered around 18,000. He said they were formulating the structure of the wing, such as the office bearers, to synergise with the other wings like the Muslimat (Women), Youth and Ulama Dewan. The party needs to make a constitutional amendment expected to be tabled at next year’s muktamar where the non-Muslim wing should be formalised. By constitution PAS has been out of bounds to non-Muslims as direct members. Politically, the PAS move could further may unsettle the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition that has ruled the country for 51 years.