Pas apologises over Lau’s ‘banning’ incident

SHAH ALAM - Pas apologises and expresses uneasiness regarding an incident involving Gerakan president Datuk Dr. Dominic Lau, who was allegedly 'banned' during the Mega PN Best Ceramah in Tasek Gelugor, Penang recently.

Pas Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said that despite Dominic later refuting the allegations, the leadership of Pas believed that his presence should have been accepted and respected as a guest based on Islamic principles and manners.

He added that, besides being a component party, the leadership of Gerakan was also a member of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, and Dominic himself is a candidate in the state elections, so he should be accorded respect.

Takiyuddin further mentioned that in the current political environment, which was tainted by chauvinistic and extreme narratives, Pas, as the oldest and largest Islamic party, believes in being responsible not only for showing the direction of mature and moderate politics but also for providing assistance and protection to those in need.

"Based on this background, Pas sees Dominic and his party leadership as belonging to the group that requires such assistance and protection.

"Therefore, I call upon Pas members to open their hearts and extend any help possible with the spirit of sincere solidarity and brotherhood," he said on his Facebook page today.

The statement was believed to refer to the incident involving Dominic, who was seen as unwelcomed at the Mega PN Best rally in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, which was also attended by the Pas President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang recently.

Takiyuddin added that Pas members and supporters should openly accept Dominic's candidacy for the Bayan Lepas State Legislative Assembly seat, as the decision was made with the approval of the party's highest leadership.

He said this decision was made after going through all processes and meeting the set criteria.

Takiyuddin acknowledged that there might be sentiments among members and supporters at the local level due to the nomination for the Bayan Lepas State Legislative Assembly seat, which is a predominantly Malay-majority constituency.

"All members within the party need to accept it with an open heart while placing trust in the party's leadership, led by Pas President.

"Therefore, I urge all relevant Ps members to realise that continued opposition and actions contrary to the party's interests may not only create disharmony within the Perikatan Nasional coalition but also challenge and question the wisdom and accuracy of the President's decision," he said.

He also called on all members and supporters of the PN party to focus on the state elections and temporarily set aside differences that could weaken joint efforts to achieve success.