KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 — PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang claimed he was misinterpreted in reports of him advocating a dual Cabinet that segregated members according to Muslims and non-Muslims.

In an interview with the MalaysiaKini portal, Abdul Hadi clarified that he was talking about the distribution of portfolios during a speech in Penang for the opening of a PAS dialogue with Indian NGOs over the weekend.

"Dual Cabinet is incorrect, it’s not a dual Cabinet, but the distribution of duties. It’s normal that in the government there is a prime minister, deputy prime minister, special functions minister and ministers with specific ministries.

"That’s the normal distribution of duties, not two Cabinets. They did not understand my statement,” he reportedly said.

On Saturday, Abdul Hadi was quoted as saying that a PAS federal administration would be divided into two Cabinets.

The main Cabinet would comprise Muslims who would then appoint a second executive Cabinet that may include non-Muslims who are appointed based on their individual expertise.

Pakatan Harapan leaders had criticised the PAS president, claiming his alleged suggestion was unconstitutional and promoted racial segregation.

Hadi also said having Muslims formulate national policies was part of Islamic scriptures, which he added was copied by the West.

"They know about the English revolution, the French revolution, the Russian revolution, about changing the government, but they did not know about elections until they studied Islamic history. Only then they could have elections,” Hadi reportedly said.