Umno Youth chief Hishamuddin Hussein today launched a tirade against PAS for its narrow interpretation of Islam and politicisation of education.

He said the Muslim-based opposition party had politicised education to the extent of closing down Kemas kindergartens and chasing away students in Mara Junior Science Colleges in Terengganu.

"As such, Umno Youth reemphasises that PAS is not a party that champions Islam but had exploited the religion for political gains.

"And today, we declare that PAS is not qualified to talk on Islam," he said in his speech during the Umno wings' annual general assembly at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Hishamuddin claimed that PAS condoned despicable acts in the name of Islam and syariah, adding that the party also unashamedly abused zakat (tithe) funds and these were done in the name of 'fisabillilah' (in the name of god).

Umno's version

On the other hand, he said, the version of Islam championed and upheld by Umno was different.

He said the party's concept of an Islamic state, as opposed to PAS', was based on planning, prudent efforts and approach.

"Umno was established on the Malay characteristics. The Malay race is centred on Islam. For the Malays, Islam is their religion. In the context of the national constitution, Islam is the religion practised by the Malays," he told the 653 delegates in attendance.

Saying that dakwah is the axis of Islam and not punishment, Hishamuddin claimed that PAS indiscriminately brands other Muslims as infidels simply because they don't agree with the party.

He also said Umno Youth will initiate efforts to restore public awareness on the need to send their children to national schools.

He added that this would require a new approach in terms of finance, manpower, curriculum and infrastructures.

Track record

Meanwhile, Wanita Umno chief Rafidah Aziz said the movement would ensure victory for the party and the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition in the coming national polls.

Addressing the annual Wanita General Assembly today, she said the victory is important in order to preserve the current political climate and to strive for greater economic progress.

She said the people should continue supporting the Umno-led BN government in view of its proven track record in safeguarding the interests of the Malays and other citizens.

Advising the people to be mindful of what has happened to Iraq and Afghanistan, she said the leaders with the full backing of the people would be able to face all future challenges.

Discriminating laws

Puteri Umno chief Azalina Othman Said called on the government to refrain from drafting any legislation that discriminates the women.

The government should avoid gender bias in nation-building through the drafting of its policies, she said in her maiden speech at the general assembly.

However, she was confident that the BN government is capable of effecting this as shown in the drafting of the Domestic Violence Act 1994 to protect women.

On the general election, Azalina said the movement would mobilise its election machinery at the grassroots level to win the hearts of the people, which she regards as the best strategy.

The annual conferences of Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri Umno were opened by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Abdulah Ahmad Badawi last night.