Malaysian Islamist Party (PAS) has amended its constitution to allow non-Muslims to join the Islamic party as associate members.

The party leaders approved an amendment to its constitutions in its 70th muktamar (conference), Malaysia media Malaysiakini and NST reported.

However, the associate membership is not open to atheists.

“If you want to become an associate member, you must have religion, be it a Hindu, Christian, Buddhist or other religion available in the world," PAS Secretary-General Takiyuddin Hassan said on Saturday (Sep. 14).

“However, those without a religion like atheists are disallowed."

Takiyuddin said that the move will strengthen PAS's non-Muslim Supporters Wing (DHPP) to "contribute towards the direction of the party better".

70th muktamar

PAS had its 70th Central Annual Muktamar from Sep. 11 to Sep. 15.

Among the topics discussed were the various ways to appeal younger voters.

A member had also proposed that members should marry wives from different races and cultures to earn votes from non-Malay voters.

Meanwhile, another member also suggested that the sinkhole which swallowed a tourist in Kuala Lumpur (KL) was the result of divine retribution for the evil actions of the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

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Top image via Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Pusat/Facebook.