Unity govt: PM denies ‘splitting PAS’ accusations

KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister brushed off suggestions by certain quarters in PAS that the unity government proposal was an Umno ploy to split PAS.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak asked how Umno could be blamed when the idea for the unity talks came from PAS.
“I think even in PAS there are differences in views. It may not necessarily be the view of the leadership. Some agree to it while others don’t. We can’t say that the view is that of PAS leaders or the PAS stance,” he told reporters after officiating the National Baitulmal convention 2009 at the Federal Territory Mosque here Wednesday.
Najib was asked to respond to a briefing on the unity government proposal by PAS recently, which suggested that the move was Umno’s agenda whose real motive was to split PAS and divide Pakatan Rakyat.
The briefing was held to defuse tension following Pakatan’s rejection of a unity government with Umno or Barisan Nasional,
Asked to comment about several Malay non-governmental organisations expressing regret over the rejection of the unity government idea, he said: “Most Muslims have similar views on this matter because unity and efforts to protect interests of the community are something that must go on.
“It is something that is deemed as compulsory by religion. Politics should not go beyond what was demanded by religion.”
He said the unity government idea should go beyond politics because it was a national issue in the interest of the people.
On whether the unity government would go against the 1Malaysia concept he was promoting, Najib said: “It does not mean that we are rejecting the non-Muslims. The non-Muslims still have their role to play. Their interest will always be protected by the Government.”

Earlier, Najib proposed that a national-level Baitulmal entity be established to coordinate assets belonging to Muslims in Malaysia.
Sometimes translated as “house of currency”, Baitulmal in the Malaysian context functions as a collection and distribution centre for zakat (Muslim property tax) and fitrah (alms).
He wants a thorough and detailed study on the Federal Constitution and legal issues related to Baitulmal, including those under the relevant state governments be conducted.
“For instance, the role of Federal Baitulmal that is proposed should not compete with that of the state Baitulmal. In other words, the role should be clear, creative and innovative for the welfare of the Muslims.”
These are among five proposals he outlined to update the role of Baitulmal, which is currently managed by the state religious council.
Other proposals are:
* Baitulmal should be corporatised and professionals be appointed to to lead the institution so that it would have locus standi to carry operations more effectively.
* New sources of growth be explored as Baitulmal funds. Islamic scholars should contribute knowledge and expertise to find new and contemporary sources of growth to strengthen its funds.
* Baitulmal operators should play a more effective role in community development activities.
* Existing Baitulmal products should go through a rebranding process to suit the globalisation climate.
When asked to elaborate on the matter, Najib said : “The proposal was related to power and provisions under the Federal Constitution. The Sultan has the power over religious matter. I brought it up so that it will be studied. It is not a resolution.
“The convention has to debate it. We cannot say whether it is good or bad because there are many aspects to it especially relating to power. There has to be an indepth study because such matters are very sensitive.”

tunku : majority regrets that pas rejected their own proposal just because they were under pressure from the erdogan's group in their party and of course from their superior partners that is pkr and dap. pas is no longer the party it used to be.they are under full control of anwar ibrahim.