on the muktamar
found this on malaysiakini (subscription required):
Furthermore the article goes on to suggest :
However, on the membership issue, I imagine some quarters would prefer an associate membership to be given to the non-muslims. An associate member does not have the right to vote. This does not sound very just.
On the other hand, there is also the ever present fear of being 'dhimmi'ed on the part of the non-muslims. This dialogue here, is very clear in defining what the term 'ahlul dhimmah' actually means.
Update :Malaysia's Islamic Party Welcomes Non-Muslims
One has to praise the flexibility of PAS in adapting to Malaysian political reality and social development. In the 1982 election, 78 percent of PAS manifesto contents were about Islam. The leadership change from Malay nationalists to Islamists later that year marked the beginning of concerted efforts to reduce exclusiveness of its appeal. In the last election, PAS finally revived the old tradition of nominating women candidates. One year after the ascension of the ‘young moderate professionals’ headed by Ustaz Nasharuddin Mat Isa, this year’s muktamar, beginning today, will see another step forward - opening of the door to non-Muslims, a proposal coming from PAS spiritual adviser, Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat.For those currently out of the loop, there is one burning issue at this years muktamar : the proposal of admitting non-muslim members into PAS. I give full support to this proposal, not just because it originated from the Mursyidul Am but because i believe in the completeness of the Islamic message, and hence struggle. The Quran is, after all, a guide for all of mankind, not just a guide for the muslims.
Furthermore the article goes on to suggest :
...PAS must change its lukewarm attitude to democracy and commit itself to push for Malaysia’s democratisation...If PAS is expecting democrats to vote intrinsically for its programme, rather than instrumentally, just to check Umno’s hegemony (if they would), it must make genuine efforts to democratise Malaysia.and calls for greater efforts in promoting local democracies.
However, on the membership issue, I imagine some quarters would prefer an associate membership to be given to the non-muslims. An associate member does not have the right to vote. This does not sound very just.
On the other hand, there is also the ever present fear of being 'dhimmi'ed on the part of the non-muslims. This dialogue here, is very clear in defining what the term 'ahlul dhimmah' actually means.
Update :Malaysia's Islamic Party Welcomes Non-Muslims
