'Why PAS must contest the Kuala Besut seat'
Susan LoonePublished: Jul 3, 2013 1:24 AM | Updated: Jul 3, 2013 7:19 AM
Two more groups have backed the PAS decision to contest the upcoming Kuala Besut by-election, pointing out that failure to do so would affect the interests of voters and the party itself.
Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak
(left)
said real democracy respects the rights of voters and the mandate they give to representatives of their choice.
He expressed surprise that DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had suggested that PAS should boycott the by-election to protest the Election Commission’s (EC) lackadaisical attitude in addressing alleged electoral fraud during the May 5 polls.
Two more groups have backed the PAS decision to contest the upcoming Kuala Besut by-election, pointing out that failure to do so would affect the interests of voters and the party itself.
Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak (left) said real democracy respects the rights of voters and the mandate they give to representatives of their choice.
He expressed surprise that DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had suggested that PAS should boycott the by-election to protest the Election Commission’s (EC) lackadaisical attitude in addressing alleged electoral fraud during the May 5 polls.
"If Lim intends to express his disappointment and loss of faith in the EC, he should not go to the extent of asking PAS to boycott the polls," he said.
"The suggestion is undemocratic, especially when it comes from a leader of a democratic party. PAS should not bow to (DAP) or be made use of in any situation which would eventually bring about grave consequences for it.”
Rahmad reminded Lim that the majority of voters in the constituency are Malays, and warned against trying to "destroy the community's right to vote".
He also said Lim's proposal would only spoil PAS' chances in the by-election, the date of which will be announced on Friday.
"Whether Umno or PAS contests, a Malay will definitely be the winner, so please do not sandiwara (play-act) and insist on your losing view," Rahmad told Lim.
Penang PAS Youth secretary Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said the party’s struggle, which is based on Islam, requires submission only to Allah.
However, the party will continue to interact with non-Muslim friends, including the DAP, as long as there are opportunities to promote Islam, he said.
"In friendship, we must cooperate when our principles are the same. As for those with different principles, we should respect them," said Afnan (right).
"Boycotting the Kuala Besut polls would mean giving BN a free victory and, at the same time, allow abuse of power and fraud to go on.
"Just as PAS does not need to bow to any quarters which opposes the party, we also do not need to give way to electoral fraud. It is more dignified to lose while struggling for the truth, than to win based on lies and fraud.”
PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali has noted that the seat "belongs" to the party, Afnan said.
"(The contest for) this seat will determine PAS' ambition to rule Terengganu, to implement what is required in Islam. (We’ve struggled so long for this)," he added.
The state seat fell vacant following the death of the BN’s Dr A Rahman Mokhtar on June 26.
Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak (left) said real democracy respects the rights of voters and the mandate they give to representatives of their choice.He expressed surprise that DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had suggested that PAS should boycott the by-election to protest the Election Commission’s (EC) lackadaisical attitude in addressing alleged electoral fraud during the May 5 polls.
"If Lim intends to express his disappointment and loss of faith in the EC, he should not go to the extent of asking PAS to boycott the polls," he said.
"The suggestion is undemocratic, especially when it comes from a leader of a democratic party. PAS should not bow to (DAP) or be made use of in any situation which would eventually bring about grave consequences for it.”Rahmad reminded Lim that the majority of voters in the constituency are Malays, and warned against trying to "destroy the community's right to vote".
He also said Lim's proposal would only spoil PAS' chances in the by-election, the date of which will be announced on Friday.
"Whether Umno or PAS contests, a Malay will definitely be the winner, so please do not sandiwara (play-act) and insist on your losing view," Rahmad told Lim.
Penang PAS Youth secretary Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said the party’s struggle, which is based on Islam, requires submission only to Allah.
However, the party will continue to interact with non-Muslim friends, including the DAP, as long as there are opportunities to promote Islam, he said.
"In friendship, we must cooperate when our principles are the same. As for those with different principles, we should respect them," said Afnan (right)."Boycotting the Kuala Besut polls would mean giving BN a free victory and, at the same time, allow abuse of power and fraud to go on.
"Just as PAS does not need to bow to any quarters which opposes the party, we also do not need to give way to electoral fraud. It is more dignified to lose while struggling for the truth, than to win based on lies and fraud.”
PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali has noted that the seat "belongs" to the party, Afnan said.
"(The contest for) this seat will determine PAS' ambition to rule Terengganu, to implement what is required in Islam. (We’ve struggled so long for this)," he added.
The state seat fell vacant following the death of the BN’s Dr A Rahman Mokhtar on June 26.
View Comments0