Laporan Akhbar The STAR

PAS launches new campaign to woo non-Muslims - The STAR
Wednesday September 12, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS will make another attempt to woo non-Muslims by launching its PAS For All campaign. Party deputy president Datuk Nasharuddin Mat Isa said the party was not only for Malays or Muslims but cuts across communal and religious lines.

“The Quran teaches us to respect each other’s religious beliefs. So if it is the welfare of the Chinese that needs to be championed, we will be there. If it’s Indians who need help, we will come forward. And it is the same with the Malays,” he said yesterday.

The launch at the PAS office in Jalan Raja Laut started with the Malay kompang, Chinese lion dance, followed by the Indian miruthengam instrument.

Later at the press conference, Nasharuddin was asked about the fears of non-Muslims about PAS’ push for an Islamic state.

“We are explaining substance rather than debating on the form. Substance is about justice, good governance, free and fair treatment of all citizens,” he said.

He believed “the mood is there” for a change, adding that the party had been doing a lot to woo non-Muslim votes.

The party has also set up PAS Chinese clubs and PAS Indian clubs to help spread the message.