PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has rebuked PAS over its president Abdul Hadi Awang’s claim that even the most wicked Muslim ruler is less tyrannical than a non-Muslim.
PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it was wrong to judge justice and tyranny based on a person’s religion rather than their character, integrity, actions and responsibilities as a leader.
“Such a statement is deeply regrettable because it judges justice and tyranny based on a person’s religion, rather than on a leader’s character, integrity, actions and sense of responsibility,” he said in a statement today.
Saifuddin cited verse 8 of Surah al-Maidah, which calls on Muslims not to let hatred towards a particular group lead them to act unjustly.
“It is abundantly clear that Islam teaches its followers to uphold justice, even towards those they dislike,” he said.
Questioning the notion that an unjust Muslim leader was inherently better than a non-Muslim simply because of their religious differences, Saifuddin said leaders should instead be judged by their trustworthiness, commitment to justice and ability to protect the people.
He cited the Prophet Muhammad’s teaching that every person was a leader and would be held accountable for those under their responsibility.
“Corruption remains corruption. Oppression remains oppression. Betrayal of trust remains an offence, regardless of who commits it,” he said.
Saifuddin cautioned against using religion to provide moral protection to corrupt leaders, adding that Islam’s standing was strengthened through justice, good character, knowledge, trustworthiness and exemplary leadership, rather than by belittling other religions.
He also said respecting the rights of other races and religions would not diminish the strength of the Malays and Muslims.
“On the contrary, Muslims will command greater respect when they become the best examples of justice, progress, wisdom and compassion towards all humanity,” he said.
Saifuddin said elections should allow voters to assess the track records, integrity and capabilities of candidates and political parties, rather than become a platform for stirring racial and religious fears and prejudice.
Hadi allegedly made the remark at the BN-PN grand finale in Bukit Katil, Melaka, on Thursday night, where he urged Muslims to fulfil their voting obligations ahead of polling, arguing that Muslims who failed to vote would allow others to govern.
