KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Several PKR leaders have criticised PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over his remarks comparing Muslim and non-Muslim leaders, warning that religious sentiments should not be used to divide Malaysians for political gain.

PKR vice-president Datuk Chang Lih Kang said political differences should be debated based on policies and solutions to people’s problems rather than religious sentiments.

He described Abdul Hadi’s remarks during a Melaka state election campaign event yesterday as deeply disappointing, saying statements that hurt religious sensitivities and fuel tensions would only harm the country.

Abdul Hadi was quoted as saying that even the worst Muslim leaders governing a country would not be as oppressive as non-Muslims.

“As a religious figure with extensive knowledge, he should set an example in promoting good character and unity. Unfortunately, that knowledge is not reflected in the wisdom of his words,” Chang said in a statement today.

Chang, who is also Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, said Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious harmony was essential to economic development, investor confidence and job creation.

He questioned whether the pursuit of political power should come at the expense of national unity and stability, stressing that Malaysia needed leaders who brought people together rather than divided them.

Meanwhile, PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh questioned how Abdul Hadi’s remarks aligned with opposition political cooperation in Melaka, particularly involving MCA and Gerakan in the campaign for Kelebang seat.

“Interestingly, the MCA president had spoken at the same campaign event, while Gerakan president Dominic Lau also appealed to Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional supporters to back a non-Muslim Gerakan candidate.

“This happened in front of a Malay-majority audience. So, how should Abdul Hadi’s remarks be interpreted in the context of their political cooperation?” said Fuziah, who is also Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.

Fuziah also expressed support for Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for Kelebang, Farzana Hayani, saying that her links to the federal ruling coalition could help bring local concerns to the government’s attention regardless of race or religion.

Separately, PKR Youth (AMK) chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim described Abdul Hadi’s remarks as extreme and prejudiced, warning that they could fuel religious hostility and undermine national unity.

He noted that it is all the more concerning that such a statement came from a senior political leader who possesses a background in religious education and wields significant influence within the Muslim community.

“Such a position and level of knowledge should be used to foster an understanding of Islam rooted in justice, wisdom, and noble character, not to cultivate the perception that a Muslim possesses an absolute moral superiority over followers of other religions, even when committing acts of injustice,” he said in a statement.

He said that the AMK views the attempt to weigh the severity of an injustice based on religious identity as a departure from the principle of justice, a fundamental tenet of Islamic teachings. Furthermore, it raises questions regarding the party’s sincerity in building political cooperation across racial and religious lines.

“Do such views also apply to the leaders of the MCA and Gerakan, who are PAS’s political partners? Or is this principle applied only when dealing with those who hold opposing political stances?” he asked.

As such, Muhammad Kamil urged Abdul Hadi to publicly clarify and retract his remarks, saying justice should apply equally regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.

He stressed that Malaysia’s future must be grounded in constitutional principles, respect for Islam as the religion of the Federation and the protection of religious freedom for all citizens.

“Justice does not discriminate based on the perpetrator’s skin colour, lineage, or religion; indeed, injustice must be opposed, even when committed by those of the same race, religion, or political persuasion,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud described Abdul Hadi’s statement as extreme, out of bounds and completely unacceptable.

“Such remarks not only offend followers of other religions, but could also disrupt the harmony of Malaysia’s multiracial society, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, which have long lived in an atmosphere of mutual respect regardless of religion, race and culture.

“In Sabah, there is no place for politics that discriminates against followers of other religions, as religious differences are not a barrier to family ties, friendship and community life,” he said.

He said a family in Sabah can have members who practise different faiths, yet they still live in harmony and mutual respect.

Mustapha stressed that Islam teaches its followers to be just to all people regardless of religion, adding that a leader’s justice or tyranny must be judged by their actions and integrity, not the faith they profess.

“As a political leader and religious figure, Abdul Hadi should act responsibly and refrain from making statements that could arouse prejudice and undermine social harmony,” he said.

Mustapha urged Sabahans and all Malaysians, particularly the people of Melaka, to remain vigilant and reject political parties that preach hatred against followers of other religions. — Bernama