PAS main reason for religious extremism - MCA

Blaming PAS as the main reason for religious extremism in the country recently, the MCA wants the Islamic party to review its ‘extremist policies’.

MCA central committee member Datuk Ti Lian Ker said PAS is in essence a radical party with no tolerance of multiculturalism or secularism.

“It is obvious that PAS attracts extremist as they have projected themselves to be so despite various undertakings by lesser PAS leaders trying to project a moderate face,” he said in a press statement, Wednesday.

He said despite the party sacking its members who were wanted by the police for terrorism, the party’s religious philosophy and extremist ideology remains unchanged.

“So, it is difficult to ensure that none of their party members will join similar activities in the future,” he said.

Ti also called on the DAP to review its cooperation with PAS who he said had harboured militants and extremists in their rank and file.

He said DAP should stop being in a denial or being a cover for the party by claiming that PAS had abandoned their original struggle of establishing a Taliban like state in favor of a welfare state.

It was reported that several PAS members have been sacked recently for their involvement in militant activities including Kedah Pas ulama committee member Mohd Lotfi Ariffin who was allegedly involved in the Syrian conflict.

Others include PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s son, Nik Adli who was detained for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

On Monday, PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali said the party had expelled three of its members after Bukit Aman’s counter-terrorism unit released their profiles, with their pictures, for terrorism acts.

The three were among the five men wanted by the police for involvement in militant activities.