Islamist Democrat: PAS's New Religion?

"We are no longer Islamists, but Islamist Democrat," that was the statement made by Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, PAS's Research Director, as reported by Mkini dotcom which was also published at his own personal website, drdzul.com and quoted by AIDC. By mentioning 'us', Dr. Dzul definitely referred to PAS, the party which he represents. He made the statement as he became one of the forum members for “A Rising Economic Tide that Lifts All Boats” hosted by REFSA (Research For Social Advancement) on September 17 at Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur. Those who joined him at the forum include Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR) and two DAP representatives Liew Chin Tong and Dr Ong Kian Ming. Explaining the Islamist Democrat term, Dr. Dzul said that it is in line with the stand on Islamic organization around the world which often changes and now has moved from 'Doctrine Islamic Country' towards other doctrine so that it could easily be understand by general public. His statement was then criticized by one of pro-PAS's website, tranungkite, but other than that, there are no other official statement coming from PAS leaders. Thus, it is not wrong if we assume that Nik Aziz and Hadi Awang agree with the understanding and this Islamist Democrat move? Remember how the concept of Islam Hadhari which was introduced by Tun Abdullah Badawi was questioned and criticized by PAS as a new religion and that it goes against Islamic teachings when the fact is that Islam Hadhari is just a concept that brings all Muslim community towards the basics of Al-Quran and Sunnah into their daily life and not a religion, and it does not go against Islam. But what about Islamist Democrat? Democrat or democracy, according to Western understanding which is also used by Anwar Ibrahim like what was proven in his speeches such as freedom/liberty, human rights, free market economy and governance and accountability. Obviously, the democracy which Anwar believes is different with Malaysian democracy and that is why Anwar would often fight for his own democracy even though this country practices the same concept. The democracy which Anwar believes in follows the Western perspective where everything goes against the civilization which Islam has brought. Freedom for the West brings the meaning where no one is bound to any rules in expressing themselves even though it would harm themselves and others. For example, spreading explicit materials. The same thing goes to its human rights where it covers the rights where one could live together without having to be married and they can have free sex, just as long as it is mutual. Where would PAS put themselves in this Democracy matter? Especially when Dr. Dzul himself stated that PAS is no longer Islamists but it needs to be mentioned as Islamist Democrat. How can Islam be mixed into the type of democracy which Anwar believes in, when both of them are different with the principal which both PAS and DAP has? Even in the matter of Islamist Democrat, one of the understandings would have to be eased so that it could be implemented. Thus, would PAS be willing to ease Islamic understanding and accept the style of freedom and rights from the West? PAS cannot let Anwar become its leader but refuse to accept his concept. The party would need to choose whether they want to be Islamists or Democrat but they can never have both.