Does PAS have the makings of a radical group?

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR – In July 2017, the Indonesian government took the drastic measure of disbanding the local branch of Islamist group Hizbut Tahrir for threatening national unity and violating the state ideology, which promotes moderation. 

While the action was roundly condemned by rights groups for being undemocratic, the republic deemed the move necessary to preserve harmony.

The Joko Widodo-led administration took no chances, with the organisation – which calls for the implementation of the shariah law and re-establishment of the Islamic caliphate – expanding in Indonesia over the years and its ideology serving as an initial radicalisation driver for many.

Closer to home, a similar hardline religious politics adopted by PAS has now raised concerns about growing extremism in a country that has been largely peaceful since its independence. 

That the police have initiated a probe into its president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang – after dozens of reports were lodged over his comment that non-Muslims make up the majority of corruptors – proved as much the threat that he and his party poses to Malaysia’s security and unity.

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