Ex-Pas leaders laud clause removal
SHAH ALAM: Pas’ controversial bai’ah (oath of allegiance), which had long been implemented by the party as a political weapon, had confused and divided Muslims.
In welcoming the decision to drop the “talak tiga” divorce clause, former Pas leader Khalid Abdul Samad, who is now Parti Amanah Negara communications director, said the bai’ah was a tool used to restrain Pas leaders.
“It was introduced in Kelantan, following the fluctuating political sentiment there.
“The bai’ah wa s used to put a leash on Pas leaders. In 2008, the bai’ah wa s adopted in all states, except Terengganu.
“Later, after an internal discussion, Pas in 2013 decided to confine the practice only to Kelantan.
“Whatever it is, the bai’ah should not have been implemented (in the first place),” he said.
The Shah Alam member of parliament also claimed that most Pas leaders and members did not agree when the bai’ah was adopted, but remained quiet to safeguard party unity.
“I believe everyone will be happy with this decision, especially Pas members.”
Another former Pas leader, Datuk Mahfuz Omar, said the bai’ah had given the impression that Islam was a religion that did not allow space for a solution.
“It is time for the ulama to think ahead. The bai’ah is too divisive. It should not have been done in the first place.
“It also turned Pas (leadership) arrogant, and judgmental of others.”
Pas vice-president Idris Ahmad said the proposal to drop the divorce clause would have to be made through consensus by Syura Council members.
Idris did not rule out the possibility that the clause could be dropped and said the council had even deliberated on the “pros and cons” of the bai’ah at one time.
During the Lembah Pantai Pas election funding programme, he also clarified that the “divorce clause” was only practised in Kelantan.
“As of now, we have yet to delve deeper into the issue, but we have talked about its pros and cons, and we might drop the clause.
“It is a decision to be made by the council,” said Idris, who is also a Syura Council member.