ON HIS OWN: Anwar (right) is said by Haron Din to be playing his own politics by trying to spread liberal views, such as those of MJ Akbar (left), via PKR. Pix: Antarapos.comSHAH ALAM: A prominent PAS leader has slammed Parti Keadilan Rakyat chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, labelling him as someone who set up PKR not on Islamic principle, but only for political gain.

Datuk Dr Haron Din chided Anwar whom he claimed was "fraternising" with Muslims who were so liberal that they rejected the suitability of Islam in shaping a country.

Last week, Anwar had launched a book written by former Member of Parliament in India, Mobashar Jawed Akbar, also known as M.J. Akbar. Akbar, who is also editorial director for the weekly, India Today, authored the book 'Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan'.

Local news portal Antarapos.com had reported that at the launch, held at the Royal Lake Club, Akbar had dismissed Islam’s role in shaping a country, which is one of PAS’ agendas in Malaysia.

Akbar was quoted as saying that Islam cannot be used as a foundation to build a country because (if it could), "there wouldn’t be 32 Arab nations in the world" today.

Akbar allegedly stressed that if Islam was capable of forming a country, Singapore would still be a part of Malaysia.

"Islam is a brotherhood, not a country," Akbar was quoted as saying at the event, which was attended by Anwar and other PKR leaders.

Haron, meanwhile, expressed his disappointment that an individual like Akbar who professes to be Muslim but "not necessarily one who prays
five times a day" was given the opportunity to spread his liberal views in Malaysia, via PKR.

Haron asked the public to not assume that Anwar's fraternity with someone like Akbar had PAS' blessing.

"Let's not make any reference to an individual like Anwar, as these are his own actions. Anwar has his own way as he didn't establish an Islamic party, but set up Keadilan.

"He feels that he can profit from it, so he does it. That is Anwar Ibrahim's politics and he  does not base his politics around Islam. He is not like us," Antarapos quoted Haron as saying.

Haron said PAS does not want to be dragged into PKR's politics. "We don’t get involved in PKR's matters. PAS is with PAS, PKR is with PKR and DAP is with DAP," Haron said.

However, he stressed that his side cannot accept any views which downplays the significance of Islam in forming a well-balanced country.

"In PAS, we refer everything to Islam. Islam is the complete way and governs all aspects of life, including the establishment of a complete Islamic nation.

"Just follow the teachings of the Al-Quran and the Prophet," he said.

- mD