The motion was tabled by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan at the muktamar here today before it was unanimously approved by the delegates.

At the moment, only Muslims can become PAS members.

Tabling the motion, Takiyuddin said one condition attached to the amendment is that a non-Muslim member must be a follower of another religion, which means that a free thinker or atheist cannot join the party.

“They can be Hindu, Christian or Buddhist, as long as they follow a religion that exists,” he said, adding that these non-Muslim members would be known as “associate members”.

The muktamar also agreed to amend another provision in the PAS constitution so that MPs or assemblymen who backed other parties or political alliances not supported by PAS would lose their party membership.

PAS MPs or assemblymen would also cease to be party members if they disobey party orders.

Takiyuddin said PAS elected representatives who cease to be members of the party would breach the anti-hopping law, allowing for by-elections to be held for their seats.