PAS: Only a Muslim should be PM
The Islamist party says this is necessary to uphold Islam as the religion of the federation and the constitution needs to be amended.
ALOR SETAR: PAS today passed a motion at its muktamar urging the leadership and its MPs to push the government to amend the Federal Constitution so that only a Muslim can become prime minister.
The motion was put forth by PAS’ Dewan Ulama. It was passed without debate.
According to the motion paper, the reason for such a requirement was to “complete” the “conditions” for leadership in Islam.
The motion paper also cited as reasons Malaysia’s Muslim-majority population, the role of the prime minister as the nation’s foremost executive power, the position of Islam as the religion of the federation and the need for a guarantee on the implementation of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
Article 153 guarantees the special position of the Malays and Bumiputeras of Sabah and Sarawak.
The Federal Constitution does not state that the prime minister must be a Malay or Muslim.
Recently, after a similar motion was first passed at the Dewan Ulama muktamar, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng criticised the motion as trying to create animosity between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Another motion passed at PAS’ 63rd muktamar urges Putrajaya to decrease its spending, especially on allowances for federal ministers and deputy ministers, so they can “understand” the tough times the people are going through.
The motion put forth by PAS’ Muslimat wing said the Bottom 40 (B40) and Middle 40 (M40) were struggling, citing rising unemployment, higher inflation and the rising costs of goods.
The motion, which was passed without debate, also urged the federal government to take drastic action to ensure people aren’t burdened by the higher cost of living.
“PAS’ suggestions, such as taxes on company reserves and profits from trading shares, as well as affordable housing programmes, need to be implemented immediately so that the people’s welfare does not suffer from the government’s inefficiency in managing the country’s expenses.
DAP: PAS motion on Muslim PM to pit Muslims against non-Muslims
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