Wawasan ini parti apa sebenarnya?

I was surprised when I read Malaysiakini's report titled "Wawasan berhasrat capai apa PAS gagal lakukan" -- the word "wow" aptly describes my feelings. PAS, being a party born out of Ihsan, I believe the word "wow" is perfectly suited. The goal of wawasan may seem nice, but one must be careful as a false step could be accused of showing off.

Communications Officer Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamil did not appreciate the title used by Malaysiakini in the report. He denied any intention of replacing PAS or accusing them of failing in their efforts. PAS is not naive, and since 1956, it has been thinking of ways to approach non-Malay, non-Islamic communities to govern the country.

Since 1998 to 2008, PAS enjoyed the support of non-Islamic communities, especially Chinese people, under leadership of Fadzil Noor and Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who took a moderate stance despite being religious scholars. Nik Aziz, in particular, was known for his progressive stance on ethnic issues. At that time, PAS also had a professional group with a positive image among non-Malay and non-Islamic communities.

With the slogan "PAS for all," the party attracted the support of non-Malay, non-Islamic groups, mainly due to victories in the Alternative and Pakatan Rakyat bloc. Fast forward, after Fadzil Noor and Nik Aziz returned, PAS presented a hardline Islamist image, causing non-Malay, non-Islamic people to distance themselves. However, it is unfair to say that the current top leader of PAS is not doing anything to improve the situation.

For example, they may offer New Year greetings to Chinese New Year, wear red clothing, and participate in the yee sang tradition. Nevertheless, even if PAS takes actions that may not be liked by non-Malay, non-Islamic communities, they are not lying when they say that PAS has not failed in their efforts. PAS is not naive; they have known for a long time that they need the support of non-Malay, non-Islamic communities to govern the country.

Since 1956, PAS has been thinking of ways to approach non-Islamic communities. Therefore, what I worry about and dislike in PAS will still happen even with Wawasan, as Wawasan cannot or will not do anything to prevent PAS's actions that I do not like. (PAS president) Hadi Awang advised Hamzah Zainudin to create a new party to complement PAS in PN, a party that consists of various races and communities.

In my opinion, Wawasan is not a clone of PAS but has PAS spirit, similar yet different. If I were a non-Malay-Islam who was worried about PAS, I would also be worried about Wawasan. Using the analogy of a large corporation, Wawasan is a branch office. The big company is PAS, where top management runs the show and calls the shots.

The branch office can act independently without referring to the headquarters. They must follow all the headquarters' instructions. They cannot refuse headquarters' instructions. That's the gist. In short, if I were a non-Malay-Islam, what I dislike about PAS would still happen even with Wawasan, because Wawasan cannot or will not do anything to stop PAS's actions that I do not like.

Hadi wants to create a party consisting of various races and communities to complement PAS in PN, according to Fayhsal. The Chief Communications Officer Saifuddin Abdullah said at a recent BFM radio program, "Wawasan does not want to become a party like certain parties that call themselves multi-racial parties, but the majority of its members will be of only one race or community.

I know which party he is referring to. There are indeed multi-racial parties with a Malay majority, Chinese majority, or Indian majority. Therefore, according to Saifuddin, Wawasan is not a multi-racial party, but a Malaysian party or a face of Malaysia. Isn't a multiracial face of Malaysia the same as having a multiracial Malaysia?

Saifuddin's description of his party as Malaysian but not multi-racial is strange and odd. Perhaps it would be better if Saifuddin went to learn from Hadi and explain the difference between a Malaysian party and a party consisting of various races or religions? This article is the writer's opinion and does not necessarily represent FMT.