KOTA BARU: There is a need to convey the true teachings of Islam to prevent phobia and address the negative connotations wrongly associated with the religion, Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said.
This effort, Hadi said, requires the cooperation of all parties, regardless of their political affiliation, to ensure its success.
He added that such efforts will also help foster greater harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims in the country.
"Islam is being repeatedly attacked and labelled in various ways. It reached to an extent that whenever something (a crime) takes place, it is immediately linked to Islam, as in the case in Johor.
"Eventually, the accusations turned out to be false. Whether it is non-Muslims spreading slander or us, the Muslims, who are ignorant and do not understand Islam," he told reporters after attending a conference on strengthening Syariah institutions and laws or Konsis 2024 here today.
The Marang member of Parliament also said over the years, Pas has broken down the barrier between Muslims and non-Muslims with the cooperation of various parties practising non-extremist political culture.
"The non-Muslim community participating in the Pas non-Muslim Supporters Wing (DHPP), Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), and other parties cooperating with Pas have played an important role in breaking down such barrier," he said.
Organised by the Kelantan state government, the convention featured many presenters, including academicians, lawyers and judges, who presented three papers related to legal issues in the country.
Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan, who is the programme director for the convention, said the event was being held to deliberate and discuss issues related to the country's legislation framework in implementing Islamic principles.
"There are many articles in the Federal Constitution that allow us to implement Islamic principles. For example, Article 3 in the Constitution states that Islam is the official religion of the Federation," he said.