Hadi: Both parties must help defend Malay interests

KUALA TERENGGANU: The collaboration between PAS and Umno is crucial in defending the interests of the country’s Malay-Muslim majority, says Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Speaking at a press conference after closing the 64th annual PAS general assembly or muktamar, the party president said when the federal government was dominated by non-Muslims, they needed to make sure that Malaysia’s Muslim majority was not neglected.

“There even have been suggestions, for example, that the religious councils be abolished or for LGBT rights to be recognised.

“These are sensitive topics for Muslims and we cannot allow such things to happen,” he said.

Earlier, in his winding-up speech, Abdul Hadi said the Malay-Muslim community had only themselves to blame for events that took place after May 9, when non-Muslims were appointed to top government posts.

Abdul Hadi said it was their fault for allowing Pakatan Harapan to lead the government.

“Don’t get angry over what happened because it was the Malays themselves who voted them in,” he said.

After the general election, there was an uproar by pro-Malay groups over the appointments of non-Muslims like Tommy Thomas as Attorney General and Tan Sri Richard Malanjum as Chief Justice.

However, Abdul Hadi did not specifically mention those cases.

“A pregnant mother is not to be blamed (for what happened). It is the voters’ fault,” he said.

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man proposed having uniform syariah court punishments in all states.

“We propose that the implementation of takzir be standardised across all states, including where they are carried out.

“The punishment differs as some courts choose caning while some mete out fines.

“These depend on the judges. So, if there is some sort of uniformity for court judges in different states, it would be better.

“Some mufti have expressed their support for this standardisation, and we welcome it,” said Tuan Ibrahim.