KUALA LUMPUR: PAS welcomes the fair observation and candid commentary of former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Parliamentary Affairs), Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim, particularly regarding the country’s political developments and PAS’s position.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan expressed gratitude for Mohd Zaid’s honest views in assessing both the strengths and weaknesses of PAS, including key suggestions to strengthen the party’s efforts in realising its aspiration to lead the nation.
“What stands out is his view on combining moral principles with good governance and an inclusive approach as a vital foundation to bring the country to greater heights.
“For PAS, as a party based on Islam, the agenda of morality, noble values, and ethics remains the core of our policies, actions, vision, and standards that guide both the party’s direction and the communal and national life.
“This is essential to cultivate a healthy environment for all segments of society,” said the PAS Secretary-General in an official statement today.
Takiyuddin, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kota Bharu, added that commitment to morality and ethics in both personal and public life is not exclusive to PAS or Islam.
“On the contrary, this issue has been discussed by many thinkers and major writers throughout history and remains a critical topic today—especially in times of institutional dysfunction and erosion of public trust in politics,” he noted.
He cited major Western thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant, who discussed the role of morality in ensuring that politics serves the common good and prevents abuse.
Takiyuddin also referred to the formulation of the 7 Nolan Principles by the UK’s Committee on Standards in Public Life in 1995 as evidence of the need for moral guidance in governance, particularly following political scandals that eroded public confidence.
“This highlights the importance and priority of morality and ethics as pillars of public life, including politics and government.
“Public trust and values are the backbone of ethical political leadership, and that very trust is crucial for the effectiveness of any democratic government,” he stressed.
As Chief Whip of Perikatan Nasional (PN), he said PAS’s firm stance on integrity was acknowledged by Zaid, who praised PAS leaders for being clean from corruption and immoral practices.
“This serves as justification for PAS’s uncompromising approach in this regard, which Zaid himself recognised.
“This contrasts with the current government, which not only fails to fulfill past promises but is also tainted with allegations of cronyism, abuse of power, and suppression of free speech.
“These issues will erode not only public trust but also the loyalty of its staunchest supporters,” he added.
Meanwhile, PAS reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, transparency, accountability, openness, integrity, honesty, justice, and prudent leadership in fulfilling its role as both a political party and a government.
“This is in pursuit of advancing public interest while defending public trust in national institutions, systems, and governance processes,” he said.
Earlier, local media reported that Mohd Zaid—long known for switching parties from UMNO to PKR, DAP, and KITA—had recently drawn attention for openly praising PAS.
He stated that PAS has the potential to lead the country if it successfully combines strong moral principles with good governance and an inclusive approach.
– HARAKAHDAILY 22/6/2025
