Press Statement (2) by Chong Eng in Bukit Mertajam on Monday, 8^th June 2009:

PAS call for ban on SIS undemocratic and inconsistent with "PAS for All" image

DAP Wanita calls for PAS to reverse its resolution to call for investigation and ban of Sisters in Islam (SIS) by the National Fatwa Council during its 55th Muktamar held last week. We see the resolution as contravening the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression.

As PAS is rallying for a "PAS for All" image of the party, it should promote and practice democracy and not be seen as compelling its Islamic values on others. In this case, instead of calling for ban on SIS, PAS should instead call for an open debate with SIS and convince them through such manners if PAS thinks that SIS is promoting ideology contravened to Islam. The call for banning will be seen as a bullying as SIS is only a small NGO compared to PAS' large membership and resources.

Finally, PAS should also solicit the advice of their women leaders as women leaders may be more well versed in this kind of issue. In view of the changing of times, PAS must make effort to enlarge its composition of women leaders to reflect a more gender-balanced leadership. It is time for PAS to move from imposing Islamic dress codes and get down to the real issues of gender equality, problems faced by women, men and family.

* Chong Eng, DAP Wanita Chairperson & MP for Bukit Mertajam