KUALA LUMPUR – Former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has pledged to help reshape public perception of Pas following his admission into the party, saying he intends to challenge long-held views that it is extreme and undemocratic.
Zaid was among 15 new members announced by Pas during a ceramah in Negeri Sembilan ahead of the upcoming state election, as the Islamist party continues to expand its ranks in preparation for the polls.
The announcement was made by Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who said the group’s inclusion reflected the party’s broader efforts to strengthen its political machinery ahead of the electoral contest.
Those named include former political leaders, academics and public figures, among them former Negeri Sembilan executive councillor Datuk Dr Mohamad Rafie Abdul Malek, former Amanah leader Dr Rosli Yaakop, former National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chief executive Professor Datuk Md Nasir Ibrahim, as well as several former Umno and Bersatu members.
Zaid said his decision to join Pas was accompanied by a commitment to influence how the party is perceived by the public.
“Last night I was welcomed as a Pas member by its top national leaders. They’re warm, sincere, and friendly,” he said on Facebook.
“I will repay their faith. I will work hard to dispel the image of Pas as an extreme anti-democratic party, not suitable for a multicultural Malaysia”
He said Pas is the only Malay-majority party with the strength and resolve to do away with inequality, hegemony and class preferences, adding that the essence of Islam will be the governing principle.
“You will not have under the Pas rule where we are described as equal, but some are more equal than others,” he said,
“That’s why Pas will govern Malaysia together with like-minded progressive MPs after the next GE.”
Takiyuddin said the party welcomed all new members, describing their participation as part of a collective effort to reinforce Pas ahead of the upcoming elections. – June 14, 2026