Breaking Down Dap S Artificially Created Barriers Between Non Muslims And Pas In Malaysia

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FORMER MCA member Lee Hwa Beng’s view that PAS may have been unfairly demonised as the enemy of non-Malays, particularly Chinese and Indians, sheds light on the complexities of Malaysian politics.
This portrayal of PAS as a radical Islamic force stems largely from DAP’s efforts to present itself as the champion of non-Malay interests.
By articulating an extreme version of PAS, DAP has instilled fear among non-Malays, painting a scenario where PAS’s political ascendancy could endanger non-Muslim freedoms.

DAP has depicted itself as the protector of non-Malay rights, using PAS’s Islamic image as a rallying point for its supporters.
While PAS may project a stricter version of Islam than Malay-centric parties like UMNO, this projection is more about distinguishing itself from mainstream Malay parties.
Religion – being a powerful political tool – has been utilised by PAS to bolster its Islamic credentials among conservative Malay voters.
However, this strategy has also been a major reason why PAS is labelled as an extremist party.
Interestingly, DAP once cooperated with PAS under the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition. Their seven-year-old political alliance ended not due to DAP’s actions but because PAS chose to sever ties.
PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang (left) and DAP’s retired supremo Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang during the Pakatan Rakyat heydaysRetribution in sight
According to some senior PAS leaders, the split was fuelled by the DAP allegedly sowing division within PAS, ultimately leading to the formation of the breakaway faction, Amanah.
As long as DAP continues to portray PAS as a threat, it can secure the non-Malay vote. However, should this narrative collapse, PAS would no longer be seen as the prime enemy of non-Muslims.
Although PAS is an Islamic party, its platform is not about converting non-Muslims but rather defining its identity in opposition to other Malay political groups.
On the hindsight. DAP’s performance in the Madani government has exposed it as an ineffective defender of dwindling non-Malay rights.
The artificial barrier created by DAP between non-Muslims and PAS is not easily dismantled given that PAS must make a genuine effort to reassure non-Muslims of its intentions. Convincing the public that it respects their cultural and religious freedoms is crucial.
Prof Ramasamy PalanisamyCall it a twist of fate or you reap what you sow because discontent is growing within the Indian community toward the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government with some members of the community are already in the midst of exploring alternatives like the PAS-controlled Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.
Though traditionally slower to change their political stance, the Chinese are also showing signs of disinterest and apathy as seen in recent by-elections.
However, PAS still faces the challenge of proving to non-Muslims that it has their best interests at heart.
The path forward will require breaking down barriers and fostering trust beyond political narratives and propaganda.
The breaking down of the synthetic barriers created for DAP’s own political survival will change the political landscape of Malaysia for the better.
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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