Pas' proposal for Islamic govt irks DAP veteran

Source New Straights Times

GEORGE TOWN: The DAP has expressed shock and anger over Pas' proposal to form an Islamic federal government.

DAP life adviser Dr Chen Man Hin said the party would not agree or co-operate with Pas should they insist on forming an Islamic government at the federal level."This is not part of our understanding. It will be no-go for the DAP if they do that.

We will surely not accept it."Their proposal has left a big question mark over our future co-operation," a visibly upset Dr Chen said while angrily pushing aside a newspaper article on the Pas proposal.Dr Chen, who was at the day-long DAP national leadership convention, said the party decided to co-operate with Pas because of its intention to convert Malaysia into a welfare state.

"But look at what they are saying now," he said when asked to comment on Pas vice-president Datuk Husam Musa's statement that Pas was confident it could soon set up an Islamic form of government at the federal level.Husam had said there was growing support among the Chinese and Indians for the party's political struggle.Dr Chen said the DAP would be discussing the matter soon.

"While I would like to leave this matter alone at this moment, I think the party will need to seek clarification on this."Right now, we do not know whether it is Husam's personal view or the party's."Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Sivarasa Rasia also expressed surprise at Husam's statement."I have looked at the latest manifesto of Pas and there is nothing stated about an Islamic government."