PUTRAJAYA: Islam is not elevated by putting down other religions, but through justice, good morals, knowledge, integrity and exemplary leadership, says Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the strength of the Malays and Muslims would not be diminished by respecting the rights of other races and religions.
“I take seriously the statement that even the worst Muslim leader governing the country is not as oppressive as a non-Muslim leader, as reportedly made during a political ceramah in Melaka.
“Such a statement is regrettable because it judges a leader’s justice or oppression based on religion rather than morals, integrity, actions and sense of responsibility,” he said in a statement today.
He said Islam taught its followers to uphold justice even towards those they disliked, as stated in verse eight of Surah al-Maidah.
“And do not let your hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just, for that is closer to righteousness,” he said, quoting the verse.
Saifuddin said leaders should be judged by their integrity, commitment to justice and ability to protect the people, rather than their religious identity.
The home minister said corruption, oppression and betrayal of trust were wrong regardless of who committed them, adding that religion should not be used to shield corrupt leaders.
He added that Muslims would earn greater respect by setting an example through justice, progress, wisdom and compassion towards all humanity.
Elections, he said, should allow voters to assess the track records, integrity and capabilities of candidates and political parties, rather than become a platform for stoking racial and religious fears and prejudice.
Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was reported to have described non-Muslims as oppressive during a speech at the Grand Finale of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) rallies ahead of the Melaka state election.
He said political considerations in Islam were based on the concepts of sin and reward. — BERNAMA