GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan, being part of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, has no issue working with Pas despite several policies in Pas-led states which might offend the feelings of non-Muslims.
Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong said the party was aware that there were one or two orders or policies in PN-ruled states, under Pas, that did not go down well with non-Muslims.
However, he said the matter could still be discussed and corrected during PN meetings.
"Gerakan, as one of the component parties fighting for the ideology of liberalism, nationalism and multiracialism, will always defend the basic rights of all Malaysians regardless of race, culture and religion.
"The orders and policies used in the PN administration will be examined and questioned by Gerakan during PN meetings based on the Federal Constitution to ensure that they do not affect and interfere with the way of life of any race, especially non-Muslims.
"We will do our best to ensure that the interests of the various nationalities in this country are always taken care of by PN.
"To do that, the people must give us their support and mandate so that we (Gerakan) can play our role more effectively," he told the New Straits Times today.
He was asked on how the party could continue working with Pas in the coming state elections when the Islamic party appeared to be practising a divisive brand of politics.
The latest involved a non-Muslim Kelantanese woman who was issued a compound notice by the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) on Friday for wearing indecent clothing.
The 35-year-old woman, who runs a clothing business, was issued the compound during a check by the council's enforcement officers.
According to Oh, who is also state Gerakan chairman, what is more offensive to the common people now is the economic situation that is deteriorating to the extent that many are facing all kinds of shortages and hardships in their daily lives.
He said this has become a serious issue that must be addressed because the people were living in hardship now.
"So, Gerakan will explain to the people that the more important thing at this time is to restore the country's economic strength and help the people face their hardships.
"So, I think that 'to choose the lesser of two evils' can be understood and accepted by the people," he added.