GHB a progressive and friendlier Islam, political analyst says

Gerakan Harapan Baru (GHB) is not a splinter party but a continuation of the original PAS struggles, says political analyst Dr Maszlee Malik.

The lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia (UIAM) said the PAS’s 61 muktamar held in June this year saw that many PAS struggles can no longer be sustained in the Islamic party.

He said GHB is a way to come out of from conservative thinking so that PAS can continue to remain relevant.

“So those who want a more open Islam can choose the platform that is suitable for them,” he said in an interview with Analisis AWANI, Thursday.

He said GHB promises a more approachable and friendlier Islam.

He said this is also a loss to PAS as there is no exchange of new ideas in the party and raises the question is PAS is a political party or only interested in religious matters.

He said GHB has portrayed Islamic openness with its political views and are not quick to punish, adding that GHB also offers solutions that can be accepted by people of all religion and races.

On Wednesday, 18 Shah Alam PAS divisional committee have resigned and are expected to join the GHB.

They include its head, Azli Yusof; deputy head Zulkifli Mohd Nani; vice-head Mohamad Jamil Abd Rahim and youth head Helmi Radzuan.

The group said in a statement that their resignations were intended not to weaken PAS in Shah Alam, but for them to be part of the effort to champion Islam on a more credible platform.