PAS needs to do more to win Malay votes - Harun Taib

Hanin Fadiyah, 14 September 2013

Sept 14: PAS has been unsuccessful in convincing the Malay voters that it was capable of playing an important and effective role in upholding the Malay race and preserving the Islam's interest including its implementation in Malaysia.

"Even though the Chinese vote for PAS increased by 14.1 percent in the recent by-election, PAS was unsucessful in strengthening its position and influence in parliament," said Dato' Harun Taib during his keynote speech at the Multaqa Ulamak Se-Malaysia which was held at the Kedah PAS Complex today.

"It would be impossible for PAS to continue growing if it fails to defend it rights in Pakatan Rakyat and be allowed to fight on more parliamentary seats," he added.

The PAS Ulamak chief thus hoped that the a special committee be created to study and evaluate the declining Malay support and votes PAS has received, and that the concept of tahalluf siyasi be re-evaluated.

He also urged state governments under Pakatan Rakyat allocated a reasonable amount of space to the ulamak so that they too can take part in the leadership and management of the respective state governments.

PAS leaders and others present and involved with speeches, debates and discussions included its president, Dato' Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, vice-president, Dato' Haji Mahfuz Omar, Ulamak vice-chief, Dato' Dr. Mahfodz Mohamad, Datuk Dr. Mohamad Khairuddin at Takiri, Dato' Dr. Johari Mat, Dato' Nik Zawawi Salleh, Ustaz Zaharuddin Mohamad, Ustaz Mokhtar Senik and Dr. Ahmad Nazri Mansor.

The Mutaqa Ulamak was organised by Ulamak wing of PAS, and brought together Ulamak representatives from throughout the nation.