Thai Muslims Planning Own Party
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Courtesy Of: IslamOnline.net
May 10, 2006

Bangkok--Thai Muslims are planning to set up their own party to deal with pressing issues of the minority in predominantly Buddhist Thailand, well-kept sources revealed on Wednesday, May 10.

"Previously, there were not much issues for the Muslims but the current unrest saw the need for some form of support group for the people," one source told Malaysia's Bernama News Agency.

"With our own party, we can voice out our grievances through the right channels," he added.

The Party, to be called Ruam Thai Muslim (United Thai Muslim), is likely to be launched within two months and to be led by a former commerce minister, said sources involved in the process.

A Muslim academician said drafting the party's constitution and policies was already under way.

The party would likely be open to non-Muslims as well.

Muslims make up five percent of the population and mostly live in the five southern provinces bordering Malaysia.

Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat are the only Muslim-majority provinces in Thailand and were an Independent Muslim Sultanate until annexed officially a century ago.


CONFIDENT:
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The academician said that two parties formed to represent Muslims had failed to deal with their issues.

"But this time, we are confident this party will be able to make an impact in the Thai political scene," he added.

A source said the party would be able to attract support from Muslims in view of the current political situation, especially in the Muslim-majority provinces in the south where there were 22 parliament seats.

He said the ruling Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party could only win one seat in the 2005 general elections.

Thai Muslims have long complained of discrimination in Jobs, education and business opportunities.

Several international and local rights groups have condemned the governments heavy-handed policy in the south.

It pressed for a climate in which people may report on all alleged violations of human rights by state officials and seek redress without fear of reprisal, including "disappearance."


FEARFUL:
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But some Thai Muslims fear establishing a Muslim Party could worsen their dilemma.

"Even without any political party now, Muslims are subject to a lot of suspicion and allegations. I am afraid if we set up our own party, things will become worse," said Abdul Rahman Samad, former Narathiwat Muslim Council Chairman.

He said even if the party sees light, it will have minor political force in the Buddhist country.

"I agree with suggestions that we should gather in one party but in reality, we cannot achieve much due to our small number. Even if we contest, we will lose.

He rather urged fellow Muslims to Join existing political parties, believeing this would help them fight for their rights through their representatives.

In 2004, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said the government's failure to address Muslim injustices and open a genuine dialogue with Muslim leaders in the south is the real reason behind unrest in the country.

Source:
http://islamonline.net/English/News/2006-05/10/article04.shtml