Sarawak DAP Youth schools Hadi on why religion, politics don’t mix

GE14 | A veteran politician like PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang should know that it is “anathema” to mix religion and politics, Sarawak DAP Youth publicity secretary Abdul Aziz Isa said today.

Aziz was responding to Hadi challenging Christian priests to stand as candidates in the 14th general election, issued after Malacca-Johor Diocese bishop Bernard Paul urged the community to vote and pray for change in the polls.  

Speaking to Malaysiakini, he said the PAS leader should not try to poison the people’s minds with his “religious mix-and-match.”

“This is a myopic, misogynist, narcissist and parochial view, coming from a very seasoned politician. Hadi does not understand the reason why religion should be separated from politics.

“He should not play the religion and race cards for his political gain because it does not bode well in a multiracial, multilingual and multi-religious country like Malaysia,” he said.

“Islam as the official religion of the country is well-guarded and protected in Article 3 of the Federal constitution.

“There is no way for any group of politicians or political parties to change this provision, not even through a supermajority representation in Parliament, because this provision is protected by the Council of Malay Rulers,” he added.

According to Aziz (photo), who serves as special assistant to Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chien Jen, Hadi’s challenge is especially absurd, given that Christians have long practiced separation of the church and state – citing a famous letter written by third US president Thomas Jefferson.

“Christians understood and practiced the concept of separation of the church and state since 1802. 'And never the twain shall meet'.

“They have seen the pitfalls of mixing politics with religion many times before, so they know very well that religion and state should be separated.

“For Hadi’s better understanding, it is like separating the prime minister from holding the portfolio of finance minister to avoid conflict of interest and centralisation of power, as stated in Pakatan Harapan's latest manifesto."

‘Manipulating the masses’

Aziz also cautioned that Hadi’s “radical” statements could be a powder keg given the country’s unique demographics.

“‘Religious politicians’ like Hadi cannot be trusted. His views on politics and religions are too extreme and radical which could risk the country’s political stability.

“As we all know, if religion is mixed up with politics, it will undermine the sanctity of the religion itself. This is because religious leaders who are involved in politics tend to manipulate the religion to induce voters,” he said.

Aziz also accused Hadi of hypocrisy, claiming that the latter preaches social justice on the one hand, and sows discord on the other.

“Knowing him, he will wear his religious turban to go to mosques or surau to preach to his congregation about justice, religious jurisprudence, humanity, and social welfare in Islam as stated in the Quran and Hadith.

“However, when it comes to politics, he will change his turban and wear the ‘politician’s hat’ to spread propaganda and hatred politics to divide the nation for his political mileage.” - Mkini