Hadi: Prioritise faith before integrity

PAS MUKTAMAR | Having integrity is an important character trait but PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang today said the priority should always be given to electing Muslim leaders.

In his policy speech at the 65th PAS Muktamar, Hadi said a person with integrity but does not have faith in Allah SWT will have no standing in the afterlife.

"Prioritise faith before integrity, because there is no value to integrity without faith.

"Pick Islam first before integrity, which remains an integral trait," Hadi said while elaborating on the muktamar's theme Islam Memimpin (Islam Leads).

The Marang MP said PAS had this principle in mind when starting engagements with Malay-Muslim parties, without sidelining other races in Malaysia's multiracial landscape.

Given the current political scenario, Hadi said PAS remains consistent with its peaceful approach to politics and is open to dialogues with all parties based on several key principles.

Hadi said the co-operation must benefit Islam, the people and the country.

While prioritising unity-forging among Muslims, Hadi said the co-operation must also take into account upholding unity in a multi-racial society.

Critics shot down PAS' renewed close ties with Umno as condoning various corruption scandals implicating the latter’s leaders but Hadi today urged against permanently cutting off ties among Muslims.

"If there is a gap, close it. If there is a distance, make it nearer. If ties are cut, fix it, and continue with the journey of uniting the ummah," he said.

The president also urged non-Muslims to assist PAS by rejecting what he described as "chauvinist parties" with a negative attitude towards Muslims and ungrateful in efforts to champion interests of their own race.

"Let’s unite to uphold justice for all, along with rights which commensurate with their needs, and not equal rights that don’t take into account the weak and poor," he said.

In contrast to Hadi’s claims of openness, the newly elected PAS Dewan Ulama chief Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh last night said the party has permanently cut off ties with ex-members who are now in Amanah.

He said there are differences that can be settled at the discussion table and others which must be fought out, especially with those who had betrayed PAS. - Mkini