PEKAN: The deputy prime minister has questioned Pas’ relevance in the country’s multi-religious society after its spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat told Muslims not to vote for non-Islamic parties in order to preserve the faith.
"This is an old story and by repeating it, I don’t know if Pas can still consider itself relevant," he said yesterday.
"We in Umno have presented our answer to this a long time ago.
"Our struggles are clear, that is to promote Islam as a religion that encompasses all aspects of life for the benefit of not only Muslims, but also non-Muslims."
Najib said that Islam, practised in its true form, promoted fairness for everyone, regardless of their religion.
Nik Aziz was reported to have said that Muslims should only vote for parties which fought for Islam and labelled those who supported non-Islamic parties as "lost".
Speaking at a dinner hosted for the media covering Pas’ muktamar on Saturday night, the Kelantan menteri besar said Muslims who had voted for non-Islamic parties should review their faith and throw their support behind Islam.
On Pas’ new leadership line-up, which retained most of its reformists, Najib said they would not have any effect on the strong support enjoyed by the Umno-helmed Barisan Nasional.
"Whatever it is, we already have our platform and image.
"No matter what Pas does, it would not have any effect on the people’s support for us."
Najib said a more tolerant Pas may have an impact in the coming general election, but for the fact that Umno has already catered for Muslims in the country.
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