Remarks attributed to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang about non-Muslims have been taken out of context, his office said, describing an online portal’s report as ‘confusing’.
In a statement, Hadi’s office said he had explained at a ceramah in Melaka yesterday that Islamic politics revolves around whether an action is considered sinful or deserving of reward.
It said this principle leads to a system of governance that upholds justice and guarantees the rights of non-Muslim communities.
‘We regret that the narrative in the news coverage could cause misunderstanding among the public, and reject any racial sentiments being played up ahead of polling day in the Melaka election,’ it said.
Controversial remarks spark backlash
The clarification followed a backlash over a news report quoting Hadi as saying that ‘even the most wicked Muslim who governs the country is not as tyrannical as a non-Muslim’.
Hadi was also quoted as urging Muslims to fulfil their responsibility to vote, warning that if they did not turn up, ‘others’ would govern and act according to their own considerations.
PH leaders criticise Hadi’s remarks
Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail criticised Hadi over the remarks, saying it was regrettable to judge leaders based on their religion rather than their character, integrity, actions and sense of responsibility.
He said Islam teaches its followers to uphold justice, even towards those they dislike.
Deputy national unity minister R Yuneswaran also urged Hadi to withdraw his generalisation portraying non-Muslim rulers as more tyrannical solely because of their religion.
Yuneswaran said leaders had a responsibility not only to defend the interests of their own communities, but also to safeguard the peace, trust and future of all Malaysians.
