TEMERLOH: Pas is looking at other suitable approaches including granting autonomy to the Islamic party's leadership in Sabah and Sarawak to pick its political allies in facing the upcoming state elections.

Party deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said due to the different political environments in East Malaysia, a suitable approach is required to win the hearts of the people there.

"We have to be more open...MN (Muafakat Nasional) will be maintained and there are no issues but in the context of Sabah, I feel they (Pas leaders) have better knowledge on the needs there.

"The party will look into this matter (finding a suitable approach), for example, granting autonomy. Umno also gives autonomy to Sabah. Pas is now part of the Sabah government as we have an appointed assemblyman in Sabah and we support the government there."

He told reporters this after opening Pas Youth's annual muktamar at the Al-Makmur complex in Kerdau here yesterday.

Sabah Pas commissioner Dr Aliakbar Gulasan was appointed as an assemblyman after the state elections in 2020.

In his speech earlier, Tuan Ibrahim said autonomy needs to be given to Sabah and Sarawak to plan their own strategy that was suitable to the political landscape in both states especially with the emergence of young promising local leaders.

He said a suitable approach would help Pas expand its wings in Sabah and Sarawak in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, he said to wrest Putrajaya and form the federal government, Pas would have to win the support of non-Muslim voters and go beyond politics to establish close ties with non-governmental organisations.

He said Pas must not only focus on states where the party has already established a strong foothold but in other areas including non-Muslim areas, the southern part of the country along with Sabah and Sarawak.

"I suggest Pas Youth conduct more engagements with our non-Muslim friends. Expose them to the reality and culture of the Pas-led administration in Kelantan to allow them to have a better understanding about life under the Pas leadership.

"Slander spread by our enemies has instilled fear in them (non-Muslims) as Pas was portrayed as an extremist party, the green wave was described as something dangerous to the country and (poses a threat) for others to practice their beliefs," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/09/1104718/pas-willing-let-sabah-choose-its-own-allies-state-polls