Outspoken human rights advocate and lawyer Siti Kasim has launched a scathing critique of PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang, accusing him of manipulating Islamic sentiments to conceal the party’s failures and incompetence.
The controversy ignited after Hadi suggested that Muslims might consider postponing their umrah or hajj pilgrimages to prioritize political efforts—an appeal made in the lead-up to the Ayer Kuning by-election set for April 26. Siti Kasim, in a recent YouTube video, condemned the statement as politically motivated, arguing it reflects PAS’s desperation rather than genuine religious guidance.
Siti pointed out that Hadi’s message is not about faith—it’s about fear as PAS appears anxious over its candidate's chances against UMNO’s incumbent. She believes Hadi’s remarks were a calculated move to ensure more Malay voters remain in the country during the by-election period, rather than traveling abroad for religious pilgrimages.
Calling PAS a "human-created party," no different from any other political outfit, Siti criticized the Islamist party for repeatedly leveraging religion to gain political mileage.
Her remarks echo growing unease across the political spectrum, with even Malaysia's Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) expressing concern over Hadi’s suggestion that political outcomes could outweigh religious obligations.
Siti was particularly blunt in her criticism of Hadi’s personal conduct as a parliamentarian, calling him a "kaki ponteng" (serial absentee) who continues to draw a salary despite rarely fulfilling his parliamentary duties.
Siti urged voters in Ayer Kuning not to fall for what she described as PAS’s religious posturing, nor the racial narratives often pushed by Barisan Nasional. “I only agree with one statement from Hadi’s social media posting whereby he reminded all Ayer Kuning voters not to choose wrongly for they shall regret later on she stated.”, she said
Instead, she advocated for political renewal, encouraging voters to support alternative parties like PSM or MUDA as it’s time to stop recycling the same personalities and start giving a chance to new, capable leaders who wouldn’t hide behind race or religion.
With the by-election just days away, Siti Kasim’s remarks add fuel to an already heated political climate, urging Malaysians to prioritize principles over personalities at the ballot box.
Information Source: Focus Malaysia
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