KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 — PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang "grossly misrepresented” Christianity by claiming the religion was a "caste” in an article published by his party’s newsletter, said the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM).

Citing the article published in Harakah Daily today, CCM general secretary Rev Hermen Shastri also rejected remarks attributed to Hadi that described Christian pastors as "sacred”.

"‘Caste’ is not integral to Christian doctrine and practice, and ‘pastors’ are not considered ‘sacred’ and above reproof, albeit they are called to perform holy duties on behalf of the people of God and live holy lives,” he said in a statement.

"We call upon the PAS president to retract this tenuous comparison that he has made which is unwarranted and bigoted, and if left unchecked will deeply hurt the religious feelings of Christians and impede harmonious interfaith relationships in the country.”

Hadi made the offending remarks in the piece denying he suggested that a PAS administration would introduce a dual Cabinet: one for Muslims and another, to be appointed by the first, to serve as an "executive Cabinet” open to all.

He claimed his remarks last weekend were misinterpreted, and that he was referring only to the distribution of portfolios.