‘Corruption is corruption’: Saifuddin takes aim at Hadi over remarks on Muslim, non-Muslim leaders

Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has strongly criticized PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang for his comments suggesting that a Muslim government, even if oppressive, is preferable to a non-Muslim administration. In a statement released today, Saifuddin argued that leaders should be judged based on their integrity and actions, not their religious beliefs.

He emphasized that Islam teaches Muslims to uphold justice even towards those they may dislike, citing Surah Al-Maidah, verse 8, which states: "Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just, for that is closer to righteousness." Saifuddin questioned the notion that an oppressive Muslim leader should be deemed superior to a non-Muslim leader simply due to their religious identity, stating that a leader's worth should be measured by their trustworthiness, fairness, and ability to protect the people they govern.

He reiterated that corruption and oppression are unacceptable regardless of who commits them and that using religion to defend corrupt leaders is unacceptable. Saifuddin stressed that Islam should not be elevated by belittling other religions and that respecting the rights of different races and faiths is not a threat to the Malay community or Muslims.

He urged Malaysians to vote in elections based on trustworthiness and fair leadership, rather than using political discourse to stir racial and religious prejudices.