The Haze n PAS

On this quiet second day of Syawal, I sit looking out into a hazy sky.

Over coffee and a slice of cheese cake, I reflect upon the leaked PAS Whatsapp group message. It is disturbing and is not something to be taken lightly.

However, it is also not something for leaders to start giving irresponsible responses without first thinking twice. It would be utterly irresponsible for iindividuals to start picking political points with insensitive responses.

I begin with the person who leaked the message. It is irresponsible and a breach of confidence. He or she is a part of a closed group and owes it to the group to keep confidential the exchanges.

PAS must immediately begin an internal investigation to find out who leaked it and take appropriate action.

In this electronic and cyber era, every user must take extra precaution in what we type and what we share.

I recall the incident in Selangor where the former speaker sent out a message to the EXCOs not knowing a sacked EXCO's number was not deleted from the group.

So yes, damage done and PAS must take the necessary action which is the least expected of the party. We cannot fault PAS for what an individual member did but we can fault the party if they choose to be silent.

Now lets look at the content of the leaked message. It is a very negative message but by and large it is certainly not a new revelation.

The opinion expressed is very much something many are thinking too. I repeat, it is an opinion and in this case an individual's opinion.

What is sad though, it is from a leader of a PR component party. 

It is certainly not a Party position and the leadership must immediately distance themselves from the opinion. This is similar also to an earlier personal opinion of no less than the president himself. For the Party, an elegant silence is not an option, it is like pouring salt on the wound.

PAS must immediately clarify their stand and take disciplinary action against the individual if necessary. I repeat, "if necessary".

I believe that the individual is entitled to his personal opinion, now made public. He expresses his opinion to his peers and they can discuss it and perhaps convince him otherwise. We as the public, cannot and must not dictate how PAS manages their Party.

However, we have the powerful right of a vote during the elections. If PAS chooses the put this same individual as a candidate and the people chooses to vote for him, than GOD help us.

Likewise, the same goes for the lady MP who spoke during the special Parliament session on MH17, that its the wrath of GOD in action. Surely her Party would not be fielding her at the next election but if they do, let the voters speak.

The next step that must be taken is for PAS top leadership to explain to the top PR council. The council should jointly release a communique and put the matter to rest.

I pray for an immediate joint PR press release because any delay is like blowing into a smouldering fire. It creates smoke adding to a hazy situation.

As with the haze, it will go in a few days. Meanwhile we wear a mask.

Similarly, in the political scenario, I pray PR component Party members will cover their mouth too and speak less but listen more to what the "opponents" are saying. We arm ourselves with more information and watch the action taken by PAS.

In a few days the political haze should clear too. If it does not, than we take the next step, we make rain to clear the skies. We exercise our democratic rights to clear our political haze.

Stay indoors, read and research. Brighter days are ahead.