Get non-Malay, non-Muslim support, outgoing PAS Youth chief tells new lineup

SHAH ALAM: Outgoing PAS Youth Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said that his biggest regret when leaving the post was that PAS has yet to make major inroads among the non-Malays and non-Muslims.

The Pasir Mas MP said this at the PAS Youth Wing annual general assembly on Thursday (Oct 19) during his farewell speech.

“I am not sad to leave this post for I am confident that the leaders who will come after me will be better than me. My only one regret is that PAS Youth has yet to make major inroads among the non-Muslim and non-Malay voters.

“We need to capture their votes and support before the next general election. The non-Muslims and non-Malays have a good perception of those of us in PAS. This perception is what we have to exemplify as PAS members if we are to get their votes. I hope this challenge – to capture the non-Muslims and non-Malays support – will be taken up by the new leadership and they are able to succeed,” said Ahmad Fadhli.

Yesterday, Ahmad Fadhli stood down from contesting his post and handed his reins to the incoming chief and former deputy Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden.

Later, at a press conference, Afnan said that he would pursue the support of the non-Malays and non-Muslims as it is vital for the party to get the support of all if Perikatan Nasional – of which PAS is a component – was to win Putrajaya in the next general election.

He pointed out that the PAS Youth annual general assembly had a few non-Malays and non-Muslims as observers this time, unlike before.

“This shows that they are beginning to be okay to be seen with PAS,” said Afnan.

He also stated that efficient governance in the four Perikatan states of Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu would be the best way to get the support of everyone regardless of race and religion.

PAS Youth held its annual general assembly on Oct 18 and 19 in conjunction with PAS’ three-day muktamar (annual general assembly) to be held on Oct 20 to 22 at IDCC Convention Centre here.