Saifuddin slams Hadi over claim that non-Muslim leaders are more oppressive

 The Pakatan Harapan secretary-general says religion should unite society, and not used to justify corrupt or oppressive leaders.

Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (left) has told PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang that leaders should be judged on their character, integrity, actions and sense of responsibility.

PETALING JAYA:

Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has criticised PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for claiming at a ceramah last night that even the worst Muslim rulers are less oppressive than non-Muslims.

Saifuddin said such remarks were regrettable as they judged leaders based on 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.

“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.

Saifuddin cautioned against using religion to provide moral protection for corrupt leaders, saying that Islam’s nobility came from 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 said elections should allow voters to assess candidates and parties based on their track record, integrity and capabilities, rather than become a platform for stirring racial and religious fear and prejudice.

His remarks came after Hadi told a BN-PN 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.

In a separate statement, deputy national unity minister R Yuneswaran 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 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. - FMT