PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has argued that Malay leaders who adhere firmly to Islam are capable of upholding justice for all communities in Malaysia.
In his latest Minda Presiden PAS commentary, Abdul Hadi said PAS viewed itself as continuing the mission of implementing divine guidance following the death of Prophet Muhammad SAW.
He said PAS subscribed to the Sunni position that Malaysia’s national leadership should come from among Malay Muslims, while rejecting the Pakatan Harapan (PH) approach, which he described as being dominated by DAP and influenced by secular principles.
Abdul Hadi argued that secularism separated politics from religious faith and could result in political decisions being guided solely by human reasoning rather than religious principles.
He also claimed that such an approach was ineffective in managing a multiracial society and addressing issues such as corruption.
According to Abdul Hadi, national leaders should come from among Malays who firmly uphold Islam and have strong influence among their community, while ensuring justice for people of all races.
He said such leadership should not be driven by racial fanaticism, even when the leader represents a particular community.
Abdul Hadi also pointed to the relationship between Islam and Malay identity in Malaysia, saying that a person who converts to Islam is commonly regarded as Malay, while a person who leaves Islam is no longer regarded as Malay.
He said the concept of justice for all humanity was an obligation under Islam and that leaders who received strong support from their community were required to uphold justice once in power.
Abdul Hadi also criticised the current administration, alleging that selective prosecution had resulted in discrimination across politics, administration, the economy and education.
He said accountability should not only apply to citizens during their lifetime but was also a matter of religious belief extending to the afterlife.
Abdul Hadi added that PAS explicitly placed Islamic principles at the centre of its party constitution and maintained that Islam holds a special position under Malaysia’s Federal Constitution.
He said PAS candidates were required to take an oath in God’s name to uphold these responsibilities, whether the party was in government or opposition.
