PAS leaders, especially those from the party’s youth wing, should stop weaponizing Christmas celebrations to divide the society after YB Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, PAS Secretary-General, himself acknowledged that Christmas celebrations are a “vital part of Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry”.
In preserving the harmony and diversity of Malaysian society, I urge PAS Youth Vice Chief Muhammad Hanif to understand the recent Christmas greetings by PAS Secretary-General. In that message, YB Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan also alluded to the shared historical roots in the Abrahamic between Islam and Christianity as a potential strength to create a better nation.
As he mentioned, Christians are the third-largest religious community in Malaysia. It is practiced by various non-Malay ethnic groups, including Bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak. This also includes civil servants in the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Does PAS Youth Vice Chief believe that Christians, including the Minister of KPKT, YB Nga Kor Ming, and civil servants in the ministry should not have the right to celebrate their festive day in a harmonious and inclusive manner?
As a young leader, Muhammad Hanif must set a positive example for Malaysian youths in embracing religious and cultural diversity in Malaysia. He should not become an agent of sowing divisions that exploits faith as a cheap political tool.
Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez
National Vice Chief of DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY)
