Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has criticised PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for claiming that even the worst Muslim rulers are less oppressive than non-Muslim leaders.
Saifuddin said the remarks, made at a ceramah last night, were regrettable as they judged leaders based on religion rather than their character, integrity, actions and sense of responsibility.
He said Islam taught its followers to uphold justice, including towards those they disliked.
“It is deeply regrettable that some have concluded that an oppressive Muslim is still better than a non-Muslim simply because of their religious differences.
“A leader should not be judged solely by their religious identity, but by their trustworthiness, commitment to justice and ability to protect the people,” he said in a statement.
Religion should not shield corrupt leaders
Saifuddin cautioned against using religion to provide moral protection for corrupt leaders, saying Islam’s nobility was reflected in justice, good character, knowledge, integrity and exemplary leadership.
He said the strength of the Malays and Muslims would not be diminished by respecting the rights of other races and religions.
“On the contrary, Muslims will earn greater respect when they set the best example in justice, progress, wisdom and compassion towards all humanity,” he said.
Saifuddin added that elections should allow voters to assess candidates and parties based on their track records, integrity and capabilities, rather than serve as a platform for stirring racial and religious fear and prejudice.
Hadi’s remarks at Melaka campaign rally
His remarks came after Hadi told a joint Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional campaign rally in Bukit Katil, Melaka, last night that “even the most wicked Muslim who governs the country is not as tyrannical as a non-Muslim”.
The PAS president urged Muslims to fulfil their duty to vote, saying that if they did not turn up, “others” would govern and act according to their own considerations.
Yuneswaran calls for withdrawal
In a separate statement, Deputy National Unity Minister R Yuneswaran urged Hadi to withdraw his generalisation that non-Muslim rulers were more tyrannical solely because of their religion.
Yuneswaran said leaders had a responsibility not only to defend the interests of their own groups, but also to safeguard the peace, trust and future of all Malaysians.
“Religion is not a licence to be tyrannical, and religious differences are not proof that someone is tyrannical.
“Justice knows no colour, ethnicity or religion. Justice must belong to everyone. Malaysia belongs to all of us. National unity must not be used as a political bargaining chip,” he said.
