Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (pic) has condemned Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s claim that even the worst Muslim leader governing the country would not be as oppressive as a non-Muslim leader, describing the remarks as excessive and capable of undermining harmony in a multiracial society.
Mustapha, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said on Friday that such statements offended followers of other religions and risked dividing Malaysians, adding that religious differences in Sabah and Sarawak had never been an obstacle to family ties, friendships or community life.
He stressed that Islam teaches its followers to practise justice towards everyone regardless of faith and that leaders should be judged on their actions, integrity, and ability to serve all citizens fairly rather than their religious beliefs.
Abdul Hadi made the remarks at the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) Grand Finale rally in conjunction with the Melaka State Election on Thursday, where he urged Muslims to vote to ensure national leadership was guided by religious obligations and warned that low turnout could allow other groups to take over the government.
Mustapha urged Abdul Hadi to refrain from making statements that could create prejudice and called on Malaysians, particularly voters in Melaka, to reject any political party that exploited religious sentiments for political gain.
