Hadi slammed from all sides
> BN, Opposition leaders criticise PAS president over ‘Muslims for Muslims’ voting move
PETALING JAYA: Leaders from Barisan Nasional (BN) and the Opposition yesterday hit out at PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang over his statement that Muslims must vote for Muslim candidates to ensure Islamic rule.
MCA publicity spokesman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said such statements can tear the nation apart.
“Malaysians should be aware of the charade as Hadi is trying to distort religion for his own benefit.”
He pointed out that this not the first time Hadi has talked about such things. Previously, he said Muslims must not vote for “kafirs” (infidels).
“The nation is at a crossroads today as the multiracial and consensus type of governance under BN is being challenged from all sides.
“The modest components in BN is being destroyed and if this happens, the extremist will be part of the government as MCA, MIC and Gerakan may not have a voice in government.”
He added that a number of politicians have been playing the religious card and this must stop.
Ti said Hadi is trying to exploit the situation to play king-maker in the coming elections.
MIC vice-president senator Datuk T. Mohan said the statement by Hadi reflects the party’s ideology that it has always promoted via its call to implement hudud law.
“I don’t understand how the PAS Supporters Club, the party’s nonMuslim wing, can continue to support the party when its president makes such statements.”
DAP national organising secretary and Seremban MP Anthony Loke said Hadi’s comments were the usual PAS racial rhetoric.
“PAS is out of tune with Malaysian society. People should dismiss and forget about the party,” he said.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia information chief Datuk Kamaruddin Mohd Nor said Hadi’s statement would be disastrous to the party in its bid to win more seats in the general election.
He added the comments contradicts the party’s stand from when it was once a part of Pakatan Rakyat alongside DAP.
“It’s suicidal for him and PAS. It might be effective in Malay majority states such as Kelantan and Terengganu, but not here,” he said.
He said even Islam does not put restriction on non-Muslims from holding important positions in the government, adding that it had been a norm in Malaysia.