Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said that although Amanah says it is progressive, the difference between the two may become blurred as the next general election (GE15) approaches, with both fighting for the same issues and in the same tone.
“They may slip into the same conservative thinking and try to be seen as championing Islamic issues, even if they are not relevant.
Yesterday, Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa said Muslim sensitivities must be looked after in all alcohol-related activities, even when it comes to choosing brand names and symbols.
He proposed a “liquor policy” to protect Muslim sensitivities. The policy, he suggested, should include banning Muslims from being involved in the processing, sale, transport and serving of alcohol, and other related activities.
“Both parties are wooing the same crowd, fighting for the same brand of political Islam and are likely trying to outdo each other as the general election approaches,” Awang Azman told FMT.
He said the recent Timah whisky controversy, for instance, was uncalled for as there were already popular middle eastern liquor brands with names like Hadi, Omar and others.
“But it becomes an issue for political parties here that fight on religious platforms,” he said.
Awang Azman said progressive Islam would not stop Muslim cashiers from working in hotels that serve liquor.
“However, a conservative politician would say Muslims cannot work in places that serve liquor,” he added.
Even Amanah, he said, may try to be as conservative as PAS on issues that are not relevant in the modern era.
This kind of thinking, he said, could push many Malays to PKR as it is seen as more moderate and respectful of others.
“They may want to join political parties that are more progressive, and moderate as they balance their spiritual life and livelihood,” he added.
Last year, Mujahid was criticised for singling out cosmetics entrepreneur Nur Sajat by pressuring the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to take action against her for her social media posts.
Wanita Amanah had also previously called for an airwave ban on Despacito, the Spanish hit song because of its supposedly sexually explicit lyrics.
Amanah had also previously called for liquor and tobacco to be sold only at certain premises, as there are Muslims who work at convenience stores.