Sec-gen: PKR should be on offensive against those who politicise religion

 

PKR members should be on the offensive against statements from politicians who insist on politicising religion, said party secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

In his winding-up speech at the PKR special congress, Saifuddin highlighted remarks by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang which he said were made in apparent defiance against royal decrees.

"Today we can see when the sultans decreed that mosques should not be used as a political stage, an opposition leader without any guilt said he will continue to do so as politics is a part of Islam.

"It is true there is politics in Islam. But we are urged to engage in politics based on religion, not to politicise religion," said Saifuddin, who is also the home minister.

While politics based on religion uphold mutual respect, Saifuddin noted that those politicising religion would often condemn their detractors to hell.

"So, there is a difference. Religion preaches justice, and mutual respect, not politicise religion. People in power use the power to uphold justice.

"Politicising religion means they say 'if you don't support me, you're bound to go to hell'. So, from now on, we must be on the offensive," said Saifuddin, who noted attempts to dispute all efforts taken by the government, including poverty eradication measures.

"That (attempts to dispute) is a perverse belief that hijacks the true meaning of Islam," he added.

Saifuddin also cited Hadi's remarks alluding to a possible plot to topple the government, pointing out how it contradicted the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's wish for stability until the end of the term.

"So today we say in this special congress, for all members who will face the election, to go on offensive mode and attack, attack, attack!" he stressed.

Aside from Hadi, Saifuddin pointed out that opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin have yet to question Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the weekly Prime Minister Question Time session in Parliament.

He said their absence was despite "heroic" statements made against Anwar on other platforms. - Mkini