http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HF15Ae03.html
Malaysia: Minorities wary of Islamist overtures By Baradan Kuppusamy KUALA LUMPUR - The opposition Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) is making promises of "justice and equality" to the country's non-Muslims in an appeal to broaden its electoral support base in anticipation of general elections next year. Non-Muslims, including Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups that make up 40% of Malaysia's 26 million people, though deeply desirous of political change, through their voting behavior have historically been suspicious of the fundamentalist PAS's political agenda. The PAS's new strategy seeks to convince non-Muslims that the party now aims to protect and preserve other cultures, traditions and religions. Moderate Muslim and non-Muslim voters punished PAS during the 2004 general election, where the party managed to retain just seven of its previous 27 seats in parliament. So bad was the drubbing that PAS opposition leader, Abdul Hadi Awang, lost his parliamentary seat. At the time, PAS ran on the promise to set up an Islamic theocracy if it came to power. The Islamic party has since undertaken a major makeover that is notably more in tune with the country's constitutional secular principles, which recognize the rights and interests of Chinese, Indians and other minorities. At the same time, a moderate, Western-educated group of leaders is also affecting sweeping changes through the National Front coalition government led by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO). Prompted by its 2004 electoral drubbing, PAS strategists are beginning to reach out to non-Muslims. Changes on the anvil include the party's new willingness to accept minority Chinese and Indians as associate members, a stated readiness to field non-Muslims as candidates in elections under the Islamic banner, and opening membership in the traditionally all-male Supreme Council to women. "PAS members are now more mature and educated to accept such ideas," said PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Isa. "Islam guarantees equality and justice for all members, irrespective of their religion and race." Critics argue that the changes are insincere and specifically designed to temper the party's extremist image that ill-served the party during the 2004 election. Political analysts contend that the party still needs to widen its appeal and articulate its new moderate message in secular rather than Islamist language. It would also be well served in campaigning on issues with universal appeal, such as the recent fuel-price hikes. It's still unclear how non-Muslims, who historically have directly opposed PAS's theocratic ambitions, will react to the party's changes. PAS has its public relations machine in motion and is readying a road show to demonstrate its new moderate outlook and openness. PAS, which rules Kelantan state in northern Malaysia, is also offering non-Muslims what they have desired since independence in 1957 - equality with native Malays through abolition of the UMNO-administered affirmative-action policies that favor ethnic Malays over other ethnic groups. PAS is also promising a more transparent, accountable and avowed corruption-free government, in which the sole criterion for participation in the party is merit rather than race or religion. All of those policies are attractive to non-Muslims, but the fear of PAS's previous vow to establish a theocratic state is deep-rooted. Islamic fears That fear has traditionally driven Malaysia's non-Muslims into supporting the 14-party coalition government that has been in power since 1957, even though the National Front implemented and maintains its biased affirmative-action policies. Led by the UMNO, the National Front has dominated politics because non-Muslims have supported it in exchange for the party's guarantee of adherence to secularism. "It is a very interesting experiment PAS has embarked upon. Previously, there was considerable non-Muslim sympathy for PAS because it had dedicated and incorruptible leaders who preached justice and equality," said Raja Petra Kamaruddin, editor of the Malaysia Today news website. "But after [September 11, 2001] and the 'war on terror', the very word 'Islam' terrifies non-Muslims. "PAS is out to clean up this image in time for an early general election," he said. Kamaruddin admits that the divide between Muslims and non-Muslims has widened considerably in recent years. "Even opposition political parties refuse to join an opposition coalition if PAS is a member," he said. In the aftermath of Malaysia's 1999 general election, non-Muslim voters punished the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP), which largely represents the interests of the ethnic-Chinese community, for forming a coalition with PAS. After the DAP walked out of the coalition, those same voters rewarded it by increasing their numbers at the 2004 general election. Opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim, who was imprisoned by former premier Mahathir Mohamad, is now free and racing against time to persuade non-Muslims not to fall prey to anti-Islam phobia. Anwar, who has formed an alliance with PAS, is now trying to woo the secular DAP into his political camp. But many DAP leaders recall what happened when they joined forces with PAS in the past and are opposed to the idea unless PAS publicly renounces its Islamic agenda. More than a million Malay Muslims voted for PAS in the 2004 general election, implicitly endorsing the party's Islamic-state platform. For PAS to renounce that policy, political analysts say, would risk undermining its main support base and could lead to internal dissension among senior party members. Many non-Muslims are caught in the same catch-22 dilemma: they like PAS's clean image and transparent management, but they strongly oppose any political program based entirely on Islam. "I will join PAS if it gives up Islam," said trade unionist A V Kathiah. "Like me, many Malaysians will consider joining PAS because it has clean and credible leaders. The problem is that these leaders see everything through the prism of Islam." Mahfuz Omar, a senior PAS leader, said non-Muslim fears of Islam are irrational and unjustified. "PAS is making a big sacrifice by opening its doors to non-Muslims," he said. "Over time, non-Muslims will realize that Islam is perfect for this life and the hereafter. What more would anybody want?" In this existence, Malaysia's non-Muslims clearly want political equality, the repeal of unequal laws and an end to policies that favor the dominant Malay race over others. While the PAS's new strategy addresses important issues of cultural autonomy, ethnic equality and integrity, suspicions also remain about the party's historically controversial policies on religious freedom, gender equality and even dress codes. (Inter Press Service) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Everything you need is one click away. Make Yahoo! your home page now. http://us.click.yahoo.com/AHchtC/4FxNAA/yQLSAA/BRUplB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************************************************** Berdikusi dg Santun & Elegan, dg Semangat Persahabatan. 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