The Dangers of PAS’s Religious Political Agenda: Malaysia at a Crossroads

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Since independence, Malaysia has taken pride in being a nation of ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity. Although the Constitution recognizes Islam as the “religion of the Federation,” it also guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens, thereby establishing Malaysia as a secular state in practice. This secular foundation has long allowed Malaysia to remain one of Southeast Asia’s most stable, open, and harmonious nations.

However, in recent years, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has gained growing political influence and openly declared its ultimate goal: to transform Malaysia into an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. This ideological direction runs contrary to the global trend toward separating religion from politics — a separation that prevents sectarian conflict and preserves social harmony. If PAS’s religious agenda continues to expand, Malaysia could be pushed backward into a dangerous form of religious governance.

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