The public caning of a man for khalwat (close proximity) in Terengganu has sparked fear and rejection of PAS’s ideology among East Malaysians, according to political analysts, FMT reported. This event has become a significant obstacle to the party's efforts to gain support in Sabah and Sarawak, where cultural and religious values differ markedly from those in PAS-governed states.
James Chin, a political analyst from the University of Tasmania, emphasized that PAS is aggressively pushing for a shariah-compliant Malaysia, which starkly contrasts the vision of inclusivity and autonomy cherished by East Malaysians.
“Public caning is based on Islamic law and is expected in places like Aceh in Indonesia, but most Sabahans and Sarawakians would never imagine it happening in Malaysia,” Chin explained. He pointed to the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which specifically states that neither Sabah nor Sarawak would have an official religion. This clause underscores the region's commitment to religious and cultural diversity.
East Malaysia’s Resistance to PAS’s Ideology
PAS's influence in East Malaysia remains minimal. The party currently has only one representative in Sabah, Aliakbar Gulasan, a nominated assemblyman. Attempts to expand further have been met with resistance. In Sarawak, PAS contested the Beting Maro seat in the 2021 state election but lost decisively to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, PBB vice-president, has been vocal about Sarawakians’ unwillingness to accept PAS’s ideology. “Public punishment, based on religious laws, does not resonate with our ethos of inclusivity,” said Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Lee Kuok Tiung, highlighting the socio-cultural mismatch.
Public Caning: A Controversial Practice
The recent public caning has drawn sharp criticism from East Malaysian activists, who view it as a “barbaric practice” incompatible with modern governance. This sentiment echoes the broader regional rejection of policies that prioritize religious enforcement over civil liberties.
Despite this, PAS continues to advocate for public caning nationwide. Last week, PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin urged other states to adopt the practice, framing it as an effort to uphold Islamic law.
A Growing Divide
East Malaysians’ opposition to PAS’s policies highlights a growing ideological divide within Malaysia. While PAS aims to create a conservative, shariah-compliant society, East Malaysians prioritize autonomy, inclusivity, and cultural harmony. This divide is not just political but reflective of differing visions for Malaysia’s future.
For PAS, the road to East Malaysian acceptance remains fraught with challenges, as their policies appear increasingly at odds with the values cherished in Sabah and Sarawak.
By: Kpost
Information Source: Fmt
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