PAS central committee member Dzulkefly Ahmad again quelled fears over his party’s goal to form an 'Islamic state', stating that the party does not have the numbers in Parliament to push through the necessary constitutional amendments.

ucsi integrity congress 160910 dzulkefly "So it is academic to keep talking about it. I don't know why other PAS leaders keep on talking about, it to find themselves getting bashed by others," he said.

Giving the bare facts of the political standing of the Islamic party in the Malaysian context, he reminded that PAS still has a long way to go before being able to achieving its Islamic state goals.

"We have 222 constituencies in the country. Out of that, 165 of them are in West Malaysia. From that, only 96 seats are considered Malay-dominant seats.

"In the last general election, we contested in 64 constituencies and won 23 seats. If you look at the numbers, can you imagine PAS governing a country on its own?" he said during a panel entitled 'National Unity through Religion, Law and Shared Values' at the 5th National Congress On Unity at UCSI University this afternoon.

During the a question-and-answer session, the former lecturer was asked to state his stand on the concept of an Islamic state, to which he said that it may only serve to remind PAS members of their identity as an Islamic party.

"Yes, it may be our life-long aspiration. But by looking at our demographics, it is only academic to us... We cannot simply push it aside, so it remains as a utopian dream.

"But in realpolitik, it makes no sense for us to keep on harping on it... an Islamic state will never come to fruition within what is foreseeable," said Dzulkefly, who is also the Kuala Selangor MP.

Focus of closer goals

In a move that is bound to open him to criticism from the more conservative party elders, he also said that the party should also focus on other more realistic goals.

ucsi integrity congress 160910 denison azmi dzulkefly "It is more realistic to address issues that are pressing right now, like a level playing field, checks and balances, and equality," he said.

He also explained that although the concept of an Islamic state is practically an uphill battle, it is only their religious duty to achieve it, but within the confines of the party.

"The Islamic state is a PAS thing, so we keep it in the party. That is the beautiful thing about coalition politics," he said.

But if the people want it, why not?

                        

However, he also said that while PAS will never impose Islam on non-Muslims, there will be room for Islamic policies if it is the wish of the people.

"If it is achieved through a proper democratic and legislative process, then we will implement it. But there is no such thing as a backdoor implementation of Islamic laws with PAS," he said.

While arguing that PAS has been accepting of the other races and religions, he appealed for the same kindness and respect towards them and their ideals.

"I know the worry about Islamisation. I support others in their rights, but allow us the same space to advocate.

"Whenever we talk about Islam now, we see resistance that is based on contempt and hatred, borderline Islamophobia, like we are criminals.

"Allow us the space to try and implement it. At least then, we can stand up to say that we have tried our best," he said.

The issue of an Islamic state has been a bone of contention for the fledgling Pakatan Rakyat coalition as coalition partner DAP is staunchly secularist.

In 2001, DAP had withdrew from the opposition Barisan Alternatif coalition over PAS's Islamic state agenda. Ties warmed up again after PAS toned down its Islamic state rhetoric before the 2008 elections.