In symbolic move, Malaysia’s Islamist party PAS votes to admit non-Muslims

TEMERLOH, Pahang – In order to reach out to those of other faiths, Malaysia’s opposition Islamist Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) has amended its Constitution to admit non-Muslims as associate members.

The proposal by the party’s central committee was tabled by secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan on Sept 14, during PAS’ muktamar (annual congress) that took place from Sept 11 to 15 in three towns in Pahang state.

He said there is only one category of membership currently under Clause 10 of the party’s Constitution. To be admitted to PAS, applicants must be Malaysian, Muslim, have reached puberty and pledged obedience to the party.

However, the committee has studied the proposed party constitutional amendments to add associate members as a new category. 

“Now that there is a new type of membership, there will be two separate conditions – one for Muslims and the other for non-Muslims,” Datuk Seri Takiyuddin said.

“The associate members must profess to a religion that is not Islam (atheists are rejected), must be at least 18 years old, Malaysian and obedient to the party.”

The proposal to elevate those in its non-Muslim wing, Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS (DHPP), or PAS Supporters’ Wing, as associate members received more than two-thirds support from the 1,324 delegates at the meeting, on the same day it was tabled. PAS has more than one million members, with more than 12,000 in the DHPP.

DHPP deputy chief Lim Guan Seng told The Straits Times that he is happy that non-Muslims have been elevated in status and are now allowed to vote and choose the top brass during the party’s election.

Following the amendment, the wing can now also pick its own committee members, such as its chief and deputy chief, among others.

Previous DHPP leaderships had been selected by the PAS Central Committee, he said.

Associate members can also contest Malaysia’s elections, but they cannot contest the party central committee’s top positions.

Mr Lim said: “The discussion to elevate DHPP members, who were considered to be supporters prior to the amendment, took more than 10 years. Around eight months ago, the party became more serious about elevating our position and created a committee to study and amend the Constitution. This will make things easier for us when it comes to approaching and engaging with other non-Muslims and convince them to support the party.”

DHPP started as PAS Supporters Club in 1993/94 before it was recognised as a proper wing around a decade after the club was founded.

PAS has the most MPs (43) and the highest number of state lawmakers (104). The opposition party was part of the governing coalition from 2020 till the November 2022 elections. It now controls four of Malaysia’s 13 state assemblies.

However, it is unclear if PAS’ gambit will work as non-Muslims continue to be concerned over how the party, with its key ally Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in the Perikatan Nasional coalition, would govern Malaysia.

A major worry for Malaysia’s 30 per cent non-Muslim population is the erosion of their rights, seeing that PAS governments in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have banned gambling, among other policies.

During the muktamar’s opening on Sept 11, deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said Pahang is now ready for PAS to govern it, and was confident of winning the state in the next general election.

At a news conference on Sept 15, PAS Pahang deputy commissioner Andasara Rabu said that if the party is successful in taking Pahang, it will look into closing Malaysia’s sole casino in Genting Highlands as “gambling is harmful”.

However, he acknowledged that any move to close the casino “must be in accordance with the laws and Constitution”, and could require a federal government decision, “so we might not be able to shut it down”.

“We need to look into the matter first,” he added.

Dr Bridget Welsh, honorary research associate with the University of Nottingham’s Asia Research Institute Malaysia, told ST that without substantive changes, the membership move will be seen as hollow and driven by political interest instead of genuine respect for those of other faiths.

“This is a symbolic move unless it involves substantive changes in mindsets towards engagement with and respect of non-Muslims,” she said.

“PAS should see this as a step for appreciating that Malaysia is a multicultural country and begin interfaith dialogue, better understanding among its own members of non-Muslims and stop hate speech.”

During the Nenggiri by-election in August, PAS was forced to suspend a member from campaigning after he called ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition member DAP “kafir harbi” (belligerent infidel).

It has also banned gambling in Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah, with many non-Muslim detractors, including gambling companies, complaining that the decision had infringed on their rights. 

Sunway University Professor Wong Ching Huat said the amendment may excite DHPP members, but it will have no impact on non-Muslim voters.

He said non-Muslims’ rejection of the political organisation stems from the fact that PAS has refused to accept that Malaysia is a diverse country and has labelled non-Muslims who do not share its aspirations as infidels.

“PAS must find an honest middle ground between their aspirations and non-Muslims,” the political scientist added.

“PAS must stop their propaganda that non-Muslims reject PAS due to slander, as if the non-Muslims are too stupid and cannot protect their own interests. This will just push the non-Muslims further away.”

Correction note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct number of PAS delegates and DHPP members.