Meanwhile, Back At The Local Scene...Part II
In Opposition...

From New Straits Times
29 Apr 2006
By Sheridan Mahavera

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KOTA BARU: Although he has come under a barrage of criticism from within his own party, Pas MP for Rantau Panjang Abdul Fatah Harun is sticking to his guns.


Fatah, a member of the Kelantan Pas liaison committee, said he had proof to back his views that divorced women were gatal (promiscuous) and that it was this promiscuity that had caused their marriages to fail.

He said he withdrew the word gatal in the Dewan Rakyat at the request of the House, but would not issue a public apology to all women as Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had demanded.

Fatah is unperturbed about the possibility of action being taken against him by Pas.

"It’s up to them, but I will stand by my words," he said, responding to a statement by Pas deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa on Thursday.

"I am not trying to insult women, especially widows or single mothers, but this is the reality.

"And I can provide proof of divorcees flirting during ceremonies and functions," he said.

Fatah drew the ire of Shahrizat and other MPs in Wednesday’s sitting of the Dewan Rakyat when he described divorced women as gatal, saying that such behaviour was evident at numerous functions where they were present.

Although Fatah withdrew the word gatal, his comments were condemned by Pas leaders the day after, who said they did not represent the views of the party.

Nasharuddin had said Pas took Fatah’s remarks seriously and the party would discuss the appropriate action to be taken against him.

"This fact is known by many politicians but they do not express it for fear of alienating women voters," said Fatah, who is also Kelantan Pas election department director.

He added he was willing to debate the issue with any party or organisation.


Wow, we do still have people like Fatah making derogatory remarks concerning divorced women. I'm glad the Pas leadership quickly distanced themselves from this sort of thinking.

The Quran contains many verses instructing us to treat divorcees with the respect and dignity that they deserve. Among them are the following:-

[65:6]

You shall allow them to live in the same home in which they lived with you, and do not make life so miserable for them that they leave on their own. If they are pregnant, you shall spend on them until they give birth. If they nurse the infant, you shall pay them for this service. You shall maintain the amicable relations among you. If you disagree, you may hire another woman to nurse the child.

[2:241]

The divorcees also shall be provided for, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous.

How could anyone make unfair generalizations about divorcees after reading the following:-

[2:231]

If you divorce the women, once they fulfill their interim (three menstruations), you shall allow them to live in the same home amicably, or let them leave amicably. Do not force them to stay against their will, as a revenge. Anyone who does this wrongs his own soul. Do not take GOD's revelations in vain. Remember GOD's blessings upon you, and that He sent down to you the scripture and wisdom to enlighten you. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is aware of all things.