PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it was inappropriate for Hadi to make such a remark as he is the vice-president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS).
“It would be better for a religious leader to be more careful when making a comparison to avoid any form of misinterpretation when making a political statement.
“Religious leaders use beautiful, peaceful and calming words for those who are troubled or rebellious,” he told FMT.
Saifuddin said Hadi’s remarks will only invite unsavoury comments about his integrity as a religious leader.
Yesterday, Hadi said PAS would join neither Barisan Nasional nor Pakatan Harapan due to conflicting principles and ideals, indicating the Islamist party would forge ahead alone in the coming general election.
The Marang MP gave an analogy, that “to be together with BN is like carrying on the shoulder a live monitor lizard (biawak)”, adding that joining PH would mean dealing with a bigger “biawak”.
Umno supreme council member Bung Moktar Radin told FMT he knew PAS and BN would never unite for a political cause.
“But he (Hadi) crossed the line when he described the cooperation with BN as carrying a live biawak.
“Personally, BN will continue its responsibility in taking care of the people. Even without PAS’ cooperation, I’m sure BN is able to face the upcoming polls.
“I’m confident because BN has gone through many obstacles in the past.”