Non-Muslims can rear pigs, Hadi's bizarre response to 'herd cows-pigs' issue

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang left reporters stumped when he cited the provisions in Islam with regard to rearing pigs when quizzed on his alleged remark which had DAP up in arms.

"What I meant, Islam does not forbid non-Muslims who are permitted by their religion, including rearing pigs and so forth. It is their right.

"But it cannot involve Muslims," he told reporters when met at the sidelines of the Parliament sitting this afternoon.

It is unclear if the PAS president understood the question that was posed to him, or was evading the issue on purpose.

However, attempts to seek further clarification proved futile as Hadi entered his car and shut the door.

The Marang MP was asked to comment on a recent Star report, which quoted him as stating he would rather "herd Umno's cows instead of DAP's pigs".

He was reported to have made the remark during an emergency meeting on the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections.

The Star later removed the controversial part from its report.

Previously, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng urged Hadi to explain the matter.

He said if the PAS president did not utter such a remark, he should clear his name by suing the newspaper.

"If indeed he made the remark, it is too much, as the words are rude (kesat) against DAP and the non-Muslim community,” he added.

PAS and DAP were once allies in the now defunct opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat.

DAP leaders severed ties with PAS after accusing Hadi of reneging on their common agreement regarding the implementation of Islamic law.

Hadi, however, argued that PAS cannot turn its back on its theocratic goals.

Following this, a new opposition alliance, called Pakatan Harapan, was formed comprising DAP, PKR and PAS splinter Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah). -Mkini