PAS’s ulama must work harder to convince non-Muslims that the party’s agenda of uniting the ummah, or Muslim community, is not merely a political narrative promoted ahead of elections, PAS ulama chief Ahmad Yahaya said.
He said the agenda should not be viewed as something that benefits only Malays.
“Some assume that the agenda to unite the ummah is only for the Malays and will sideline the non-Muslims. In truth, it means unity for all,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian at the launch of the ulama council’s muktamar in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, today.
Ahmad said the main challenge was to build non-Muslims’ confidence in PAS’s agenda amid racial and political narratives promoted by certain parties.
He said PAS must consistently communicate its message of uniting the ummah, including after elections.
Negeri Sembilan election highlighted impact of cooperation
Ahmad also said the Negeri Sembilan election showed that political cooperation could influence voting patterns.
“Although the political cooperation in the Negeri Sembilan election was loose and non-binding, it had a distinct effect on voting patterns,” he said.
He said the cooperation between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state also demonstrated that the agenda of uniting the ummah could provide a basis for a larger coalition, rather than being limited to electoral cooperation.
The PN-BN alliance won the Negeri Sembilan election last month after securing a two-thirds majority, ending Pakatan Harapan’s two-term hold on the state government.
PAS urged to strengthen religious education and machinery
Ahmad said PAS needed to strengthen its religious education, organisation and machinery so that its agenda could be pursued in a structured and sustained manner.
“The ulama play an important role in ensuring that the message of uniting the ummah is understood by all and building non-Muslims’ confidence in the message,” he said.
