Islam Is Honoured Through Justice, Not By Putting Down Other Religions – Saifuddin

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- 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 Affairs Minister also 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 also stressed that political considerations in Islam were based on the concepts of sin and reward.

Meanwhile, Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Malaysia has rejected Abdul Hadi's claim that even the worst Muslim leader would not be as oppressive as a non-Muslim leader, describing it as an outdated political narrative that could divide the country's multireligious society.

AMK Malaysia deputy chief Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the remark not only insulted non-Muslim Malaysians but also tarnished the image of Islam, which required leaders to uphold justice regardless of religion.

"A leader should be judged by his trustworthiness, integrity and commitment to justice, not the label he carries. A Muslim leader who is corrupt, abuses power and oppresses the people is still unjust. There is no such thing as a lesser form of oppression in Islam," he said.

He said young people in Melaka needed job opportunities, a manageable cost of living, affordable housing and a secure future more than politics that fuelled prejudice and division.

He also urged all contesting parties not to use religion to incite hostility, but to encourage Melaka voters to cast their votes based on track records, integrity and development plans.

-- BERNAMA