Hadi’s remarks on non-Muslims taken out of context, says office

The office of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has clarified that remarks about non-Muslims made at a ceramah in Melaka were taken out of context. The office described the report by an online portal as confusing. Hadi clarified that politics in Islam revolves around whether an action is sinful or deserves reward, leading to just governance and the rights of non-Muslim communities being protected.

The office regretted the narrative that could cause misunderstanding among the public and rejected any racial sentiments being played up ahead of the Melaka election. The clarification follows backlash triggered by a news report quoting Hadi as saying that a "wicked Muslim" is less tyrannical than a non-Muslim. Hadi was also quoted urging Muslims to vote, stating that if they don't, "others" will govern with their own considerations.

Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail criticized Hadi's remarks, arguing they judge leaders by religion rather than character, integrity, actions, and responsibility. He emphasized Islam's teaching to uphold justice even towards disliked groups. Deputy national unity minister R Yuneswaran urged Hadi to withdraw generalizations portraying non-Muslim rulers as more tyrannical due to their religion, emphasizing leaders' responsibility to defend all Malaysians' interests and safeguard peace and future.