Thursday February 14, 2013
A PAS-sionate anti V-Day campaign
KUALA LUMPUR: As the nation celebrates Valentine’s Day today, PAS goes to the ground to join forces with a group of Muslim non- governmental organisations to discourage young Malaysians from getting involved in undesirable activities and to be modestly attired.
PAS Dewan Muslimah deputy head Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said the party supported the 10 NGOs, rallying as Gerakan Menutup Aurat (Gemar), in spreading the message that Islam frowns on “free mixing” between young men and women.
“Valentine’s Day has become a celebration culture among Malay-sians.
“An effective campaign or programme is needed to educate society, particularly Muslim youngsters, against free mixing between males and females,” she told news portal The Malaysian Times.
She added that young people did not understand and did not know the significance of love in Islam.
“Besides that, commercialisation has taken over the issue, with promotions of flowers, Valentine’s Day cards and restaurants supporting the celebration,” she said, adding that the media had also influenced society by making the celebration important.
Dr Siti Mariah said education was the key towards educating the young regarding religious taboos concerning the socialising between unmarried men and women.
“We have to start now to instil this sense of awareness among Muslims,” she said.
Meanwhile, Terengganu PAS deputy information chief Azman Shapawi Abd Rani said the party would monitor events and places across the country where youths gather and provide them with information regarding this celebration.
“We will also distribute pamphlets on our anti-promiscuity campaign,” he said.
He added that PAS would not be handing over any memorandum this year as there had not been any response by the Government to their previous protests.
On Gemar, he said PAS supported the NGOs’ campaign and hoped there would be elements of education that would be easily accepted by the youths.