Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party

The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, known by its Malay acronym PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia), is a political party in Malaysia that advocates for the implementation of Islamic principles and laws within the framework of the country's governance. Founded…   in 1951, PAS has its roots in the Malay nationalist movement and has evolved to become one of the country's major political entities, particularly influential among the Muslim Malay majority.<br /><br />PAS's values are deeply rooted in Islam, and the party seeks to promote what it views as a holistic Islamic way of life. This includes the application of Sharia law, which encompasses both personal and criminal law, to Muslims within Malaysia. The party argues that such laws are essential for moral and social order, and it has campaigned for their broader implementation in areas where it holds or has held political power, such as the northern states of Kelantan and Terengganu.<br /><br />The party also emphasizes social justice, economic equity, and the eradication of poverty and corruption, viewing these issues through an Islamic lens. PAS believes in the importance of education, particularly religious education, to cultivate moral and ethical values in society. It advocates for policies that support the economic well-being of the Malay-Muslim community, often framing these policies as efforts to uphold the special position of Malays and Islam in Malaysia, as enshrined in the country's constitution.<br /><br />While PAS's core support base is among conservative Muslims who support its Islamic agenda, the party has also attempted to broaden its appeal beyond this demographic. It has engaged in political alliances with other opposition parties in Malaysia, although these coalitions have sometimes been strained by differences over the role of Islam in governance.<br /><br />Critics of PAS argue that its push for the implementation of Sharia law could undermine Malaysia's multicultural and multi-religious fabric. They express concerns about the potential impact on non-Muslims and on Muslims who do not share PAS's interpretation of Islam. Nonetheless, PAS maintains that its policies are aimed at promoting justice and moral integrity for all Malaysians, regardless of their religious beliefs, and that non-Muslims would not be subject to Sharia law.<br /><br />In summary, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party is a political entity that seeks to infuse Malaysian governance and society with Islamic principles, emphasizing moral integrity, social justice, and the welfare of the Malay-Muslim populace. Its approach to politics and governance is deeply intertwined with its religious values, reflecting its vision of an Islamic state.Read more