PETALING JAYA: Religion should not be used to justify injustice or divide society along racial and religious lines, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Pakatan Harapan secretary-general said he was concerned over remarks made during a political ceramah in Melaka suggesting that even “the most wicked Muslims governing the country were not as oppressive as non-Muslims’.
He said such statements wrongly judged a leader's fairness and integrity based on religion rather than character, conduct and responsibility.
“Corruption remains corruption. Oppression remains oppression. Betrayal of trust remains a wrongdoing, regardless of who commits it,” he said in a statement on Friday (Nov 13).
Saifuddin said Islam emphasised justice even towards those whom one disliked.
He said leaders should be judged by their integrity, trustworthiness, fairness and ability to protect the people, rather than their religious identity alone.
“Do not use religion to provide moral protection for leaders who are corrupt,” he said.
Saifuddin added that Islam's standing would not be strengthened by belittling other religions, but through justice, good character, knowledge and responsible leadership.
He also said respecting the rights of other races and religions would not weaken the Malays or Muslims, but would instead demonstrate their commitment to fairness and compassion.
“Elections should allow voters to assess the track records, integrity and capabilities of candidates and political parties, rather than become a platform for stirring racial and religious fear or prejudice,” he said.
