PAS must go beyond eloquence

The Islamist party should look at itself before talking about the sins of others.

COMMENT

By T K Chua

PAS leaders are good at giving eloquent speeches. On Tuesday night, we heard plenty of those at a campaign rally in Pengkalan Kubor. We heard Umno being condemned as un-Islamic because of its love for material wealth, among other things.

When something is un-Islamic, it is probably bad. I think most can agree with that. We can also probably agree that anything un-Christian, un-Hindu and un-Buddhist is bad too.

But can PAS tell us what exactly is Islamic and how much of it is being internalised and practised by its leaders, members and followers? In what significant ways has PAS shown it is a political party with a difference in terms of principle, governance, morality beyond forms, treatment of minorities and care for the environment?

Amassing wealth is of course bad when it is done abusively and in corrupt ways. But what about people who accumulate wealth ethically and then give away the bulk of what they make?

It’s easy to criticise Umno and BN for the way they amass wealth. But I think PAS and all other political parties must do more than condemn from now on. They must show their own tenacity to adhere to morality, principle and comradeship.

Seriously, I yearn to see what difference it would make if our country were to be governed according to Islamic principles. So I have looked to Kelantan and, for a short while, Kedah.

PAS’ rule in Kedah was too brief to allow me to pass a judgement. But what about Kelantan? What has Kelantan got to show morally, spiritually, behaviourally, economically, environmentally and administratively? In what significant ways has it been different from the rest of Malaysia?

Prayer is important to most religions. Pray not just for others to be good and God fearing. Pray for ourselves first and foremost. Pray that we are acutely aware of our own shortcomings and sins. Pray that God will change our hearts – to be less selfish, less abusive, less corrupt and less evil while here on this earth.

For a long time now, Umno and BN have found it difficult to condemn corruption and abuse of power because it may sound ironic and self-incriminating. I think the same standard must now be applied to PR parties, particularly PAS.

Before PAS talks about the sins of others, it must look at itself. It must make an assessment of itself before it brings up immorality, lack of integrity, treachery, selfishness, politicking, incompetence and poor governance.

T K Chua is an FMT reader