DEMOCRACY is a farce when it does not respect the individual; his voice, his actions and his opinions. Within a democracy, institutions ought to reflect this principle of freedom that distinguishes democracy from other political ideologies. Would, then, an oligarchy that sits atop Pas be comfortable in a democracy? For, the conduct of its recent muktamar suggested that consultations and debates, which would ensure the opinions of delegates are heard, were not adhered to regarding major issues like the political cooperation between Pas and DAP, which the formers Syura Council wants jettisoned. That proposed break-up was, of course, triggered by the hudud issue, which itself is a bone of contention in the party. According to Pas head of legal bureau, the party leader had submitted the private members bill to amend the syariah courts criminal jurisdiction without prior consultation with the partys legal experts.
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