(Malaysiakini) After years of backing PAS, a non-Muslim from the newly formed Supporters Wing finally stood before the Islamic party's muktamar (general assembly), not as an observer, but a muktamar delegate.
The wing's secretary, K Deepakaran (right) took the stage to debate the motion of thanks for the president's policy speech in this morning's debate session. While this is not the first time a non-Muslim or PAS supporter spoke before the party's muktamar, this is the first that a non-Muslim is a delegate.
"I stand before you and give thanks to God almighty," he said, to loud clapping and shouts of "Takbir" from the 1,500-strong audience of delegates and observers.
"I am glad to be here today, to learn as well as to impart our message to fellow delegates. This represents a new chapter in PAS history. This proves that PAS is not only a party for Islam and Muslims but as a party that fights for all regardless of race," he added.
Deepakaran then went on to state that the wing stands ready to work together with PAS to galvanize non-Muslim support for the Islamic party.
However, he also alluded that in return, the party must fight for the rights of the non-Malays and non-Muslims and work more closely with them.
More punch to pushing the point
"We hope to secure the support of PAS members of parliament to highlight the issue of Indian and Chinese schools, including Islamic schools, which have not been given fair allocations by the Ministry of Education," Deepakaran said.
He added that the party should also consult the supporters wing before any appointments of headmen, local councilors or JKKK members are made. This, so the wing can work together more closely with the other wings and the appointed representatives, he said.
Deepakaran concluded his speech with a rousing shout of "Takbir" to shouts of "Allah Hu Akbar" (God is great) in return from the audience.
The supporters wing - officially announced and officiated in Klang, Selangor, late last month by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang - sent a 15-member delegation to the Islamic party's 56th muktamar at the Islamic Tarbiyah Centre in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan.
The wing's representatives were granted the status of delegates and allowed participation in the muktamar's debates, but not in voting on the motions tabled for debate.
This landmark move by the Islamic party represents its recognition of the long standing support of non-Muslims for the party, previously known as the PAS Supporters Club (above), albeit without official status.
The wing's secretary, K Deepakaran (right) took the stage to debate the motion of thanks for the president's policy speech in this morning's debate session. While this is not the first time a non-Muslim or PAS supporter spoke before the party's muktamar, this is the first that a non-Muslim is a delegate."I stand before you and give thanks to God almighty," he said, to loud clapping and shouts of "Takbir" from the 1,500-strong audience of delegates and observers.
"I am glad to be here today, to learn as well as to impart our message to fellow delegates. This represents a new chapter in PAS history. This proves that PAS is not only a party for Islam and Muslims but as a party that fights for all regardless of race," he added.Deepakaran then went on to state that the wing stands ready to work together with PAS to galvanize non-Muslim support for the Islamic party.
However, he also alluded that in return, the party must fight for the rights of the non-Malays and non-Muslims and work more closely with them.
More punch to pushing the point
"We hope to secure the support of PAS members of parliament to highlight the issue of Indian and Chinese schools, including Islamic schools, which have not been given fair allocations by the Ministry of Education," Deepakaran said.
He added that the party should also consult the supporters wing before any appointments of headmen, local councilors or JKKK members are made. This, so the wing can work together more closely with the other wings and the appointed representatives, he said.Deepakaran concluded his speech with a rousing shout of "Takbir" to shouts of "Allah Hu Akbar" (God is great) in return from the audience.
The supporters wing - officially announced and officiated in Klang, Selangor, late last month by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang - sent a 15-member delegation to the Islamic party's 56th muktamar at the Islamic Tarbiyah Centre in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan.The wing's representatives were granted the status of delegates and allowed participation in the muktamar's debates, but not in voting on the motions tabled for debate.
This landmark move by the Islamic party represents its recognition of the long standing support of non-Muslims for the party, previously known as the PAS Supporters Club (above), albeit without official status.
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