Cite Quranic verse stating two-term limit against God’s will, Hadi told

 

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang recently panned DAP’s call to limit the prime minister’s tenure, saying leadership is a “sacred trust from Allah”. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A former Umno MP has challenged Abdul Hadi Awang to substantiate his claim that limiting the prime minister’s tenure contradicts God’s will, as the PAS president comes under heavy criticism for his misuse of religion in the political arena.

“Can he quote the Quranic verse that backs up what he is saying?” Tawfik Ismail told FMT.

Tawfik, son of the former deputy prime minister Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, said Hadi should not exploit religion to mislead the public.

On Wednesday, DAP’s Syerleena Abdul Rashid said Hadi’s declaration was both misleading and dangerous to the country’s democratic foundations. She said term limits are a standard democratic practice that prevents abuse of power.

Tawfik said implementing a two-term limit is a key aspect of good governance, and would promote more effective leadership selection.

“It is part of democracy. The voting public feels it is a good ruling parameter for leaders.”

The former Sungai Benut MP further said that the two-term rule would encourage political parties to carefully consider their leadership choices over the longer term.

On Wednesday, Hadi panned DAP’s call to limit the prime minister’s tenure, saying leadership was a “sacred trust from Allah”.

The Marang MP also warned that the greatest deviation from the path established by the prophets is when Muslims allow themselves to be influenced by non-Muslims.

However, Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil asked why PAS repeatedly chooses to make DAP a scapegoat in its political narrative.

He said PAS had worked well with DAP in Pakatan Rakyat, and even postponed the tabling of its hudud bill until after the minimum wage issue was resolved.

“Yet now, PAS is using religion to attack the same party.”

Faiz urged PAS to play a constructive role while in opposition. He called on the party to refrain from repeatedly using race and religion for political gain, adding that Malaysia would not progress if it remained trapped in such politicking.

Political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara was not surprised to see Hadi resort to religion to counter a DAP initiative, adding that politicians should not stoop so low.

“It gives a bad name to Islam. Instead of providing a reasonable justification, Hadi is making it about religion,” Azmi told FMT.

Azmi said a term limit for the prime minister would represent good governance. - FMT