Accused of 'going against Quran', PKR queries Hadi's stand on Constitution

 

PKR has criticised PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang who accused the former of going against the Quran and “defending” the “traditions of the colonialist” in separating politics from religion and the monarchy.

In a statement today, PKR religious department director Amidi Abdul Manan said Hadi should clarify PAS’ position in regard to the Federal Constitution.

“It is humorous that Hadi accuses PKR of defending the Federal Constitution on the grounds that (it was ostensibly) against Islam, despite Hadi and his allies having done so previously.

“(Hadi) appears to have forgotten the oath taken to defend the Constitution each time Parliament meets,” said Amidi, noting that Hadi has been an elected representative since 1982.

He was commenting on Hadi’s article last night titled ‘PKR is challenging the Quran’, where he criticised a PKR leader for objecting to the politicisation of religion.

Hadi argued that PAS’ constitution regards the Quran, Hadis, Ijmak, and Qiyas as supreme laws. Hence, the party cannot be accused of politicising religion, said Hadi.

Hadi’s article came a day after PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urged PKR members during their special party congress to speak out against politicians who abuse religion for political purposes.

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

Meanwhile, Amidi urged Hadi to maintain a healthy attendance in Parliament to fulfil his obligations to legislate based on the Islamic principles he preaches.

“If the Marang MP is busy giving speeches throughout the country and does not attend Parliament, he is doing something that violates Islamic principles.

“Islam places a lot of emphasis on piety and earning one’s keep. What is his excuse for taking a wage yet not fulfilling his obligations?

“If his response is Parliament is not the same as school and hence he doesn’t need to keep his attendance up, my reply would be Parliament is more important than school because that is where check and balance happens,” Amidi said.

PKR religious department director Amidi Abdul Manan

Hadi only attended 21 out of 71 Dewan Rakyat meetings in 2022 and was thus ranked third-worst in attendance.

When this was pointed out to him, Hadi said he did not have to keep good attendance because Parliament is not like school. - Mkini