KUALA LUMPUR – PAS has again wished Malaysian Christians a Merry Christmas and for celebrations to take place in a safe and harmonious environment.
The variety of celebrations, whether based on religion or culture, is a manifestation of tolerance and mutual respect among Malaysians, said PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan in a statement on Christmas Eve.
In his message, Takiyuddin added that PAS is always open to diversity as it is at the core of the teachings of Islam itself.
This is not the first time the Kota Bharu MP has conveyed his wishes on Christmas.
Last year, he shared his well-wishes on Christmas Day, hoping that the celebrations would continue to foster an atmosphere of harmony, understanding and respect between all.
In 2018, then PAS Youth chief Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi warned Muslims against celebrating Christmas, reminding them to not be part of the celebrations.
Khalil, who is the son of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, ignited controversy when he said “Christmas has an element of syirik (idoltary) which is against Islam’s teaching”.
However, he added that if it involves the culture of a certain race, it was okay for Muslims to be part of the celebration, such as Chinese New Year. – December 24, 2023