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 by Hou Yalun/translated by Soong Phui Jee
Q: You said that you are still trying to achieve it, is it because you have many differences among yourselves? For example, PAS emphasises on having an Islamic state while DAP will never agree with it. How are you going to persuade the people to support you?
A: This is the common goal that I've mentioned just now. We have different ideologies, Islamic state is not acceptable to us. Our stand is very clear that Malaysia is a secular country.
While we are having different stands, we have an important common ground, too. And the common ground can bring great benefits to the country and the people.
Our common ground is about freedom, justice, democracy, the people's unity, and how to bring Malaysia a new level of development and prosperity. The problem is, how are we going to ensure that the differences among us will not go beyond our common goals before these common goals can be achieved?
Therefore, during last week's meeting, we agreed to reiterate the importance of our common goals and we will not allow differences to prevent us from achieving our common goals.
Q: But the differences still exist, how are you going to solve them?
A: Of course the problem is still there. We cannot ignore it. But how are we going to resolve it? It is impossible for PAS to give up Islamic state or DAP to give up secular country. But other than these two different stands, we still have common goals. For example, we want to ensure fairness and a democratic nation for Malaysia. This is equally important. Unless the differences between us are more important and go beyond the common goals, it will be a different situation then.
Q: If Pakatan takes over the federal govenrment, you still have to face these problems.
A: The important thing is, whether the people have confidence in us and believe that we will stick to our stand. Moreover, if one of the member parties of the Pakatan government does not agree with it, other parties will not implement their desired policies.
Therefore, our principle is, we must have a common goal. At the same time, we must respect each other. Unless we obtain the consent of all member parties, otherwise, we are not going to implement our policies.
DAP definitely does not agree with Islamic state idea
Q: Does it mean that there will be no Islamic state as long as DAP stays in Pakatan?
A: Yes.
Q: Does it mean that DAP will not withdraw from Pakatan?
A: Whether to withdraw or not, it has nothing to do with this.
Q: If Pakatan gtakes over the central government, how are you going to ensure that Malaysia will not become an Islamic state? Would you amend the Constitutions?
A: We are formed by three political parties. We cannot amend the Constitution as long as one of the member parties does not agree with it.
I believe that no single party will be able to obtain the absolute majority in the next general elections to amend the Constitutions. It requires the three parties' consent and cooperation.
Besides, it requires a two-thirds majority in the Parliament, too. Therefore, it is impossible for a single party to make it.
Thirdly, our stand is very clear. We have also made it clear publicly, even though it is being distorted by a Malay newspaper by saying that we are anti-Islam. In fact, we are not anti-Islam, we just do not agree with the implementation of Islamic state in Malaysia, which is a multi-racial and religious society. It is inappropriate. We want a more open Islam.
Hopefully, Malaysian Muslims can accept a more liberal Islamic mindset.
To ensure that various racial groups keep supporting Pakatan
Q: Would PAS become more extreme and Islamic-oriented in order to get more support from Malays?
A: Some people believe that one of the ways to gain support is to posture onself as a hero. But I don't believe that it is a sensible approach. If Pakatan Malay leaders become a hero for Malays and Chinese leaders become a hero for Chinese in order to gain support from their respective racial groups, it will be a lose-lose situation. We want to ensure that Pakatan gains support from all races instead of having reduced Malay votes or Chinese votes.
It will be a very important indicator. If we cause the dissatisfaction of other racial groups when trying to please a particular racial group, it will test Pakatan's problem tackling ability. The people want to see whether Pakatan is able to meet the country's and the people's requirements.
Q: Has anyone in Pakatan put forward the argument of having different heroes for different racial groups?
A:No. What I want to say is, the people will take this point to test Pakatan. They will also take it as an indicator to consider whether to continue support Pakatan.
Q: Do you worry about whether PAS will become more Islamic-oriented?
A: Therefore, our point is, if all the three member parties understand that our common goals are beyond the differences and we can strengthen the people's confidence without reducing the support from any particular racial group, we can move forward. (By HOU YALUN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)
MySinchew 2009.09.07
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Circular No 231/2010: 2nd Asia Pacific Regional Forum Conference
