In his opening address at PAS’ 63rd Muktamar here today, Hadi spoke of the need to maintain harmony in Malaysia and hit out at political parties that were competing to go against efforts to strengthen Islamic principles.
“They challenge each other, who is first and the strongest to go against Islamic principles, like it is something to be proud of in this day and age.
“If this continues, it will be the biggest threat to the harmony and freedom to practice one’s religion in Malaysia, where Islam is the religion of the federation.”
Hadi said PAS recognised the advantages of a multi-cultural and multi-racial society, and that there were lessons to be learnt from the diverse peoples of Sabah and Sarawak on managing relations.
In recent times, disagreements on issues related to religion – such as unilateral conversions, the use of the word “Allah” and even PAS’ efforts to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) – have put a strain on racial and religious ties in Malaysia.
Hadi also said that PAS had never viewed any race in Malaysia as enemies, because “all races had contributed to the harmony enjoyed in Malaysia”.
“We are only against certain parties who are chauvinistic and racist.”
Hadi, who is Marang MP, also hit out at “some” Muslims who loosely interpreted Islam or used “bits” of Islamic teachings for their own gain, saying this was in turn used by the “enemies” of Islam who had an agenda to “divide and conquer”.
“There are some Muslims who are too ‘excited’ to the point they don’t realise they have become pawns of those who have a bad agenda against Muslims, when Muslims want to return to a religious way of life,” he said.
Without naming any names, Hadi also said some Muslims misused the Maqasid Shariah – a principle in applying Islamic laws – in opposing moves to implement shariah, and sought loose “interpretations” of the religion, on which they based their opposing arguments.
DAP’s Zairil Khir Johari was previously reported to have spoken about the importance of upholding the Maqasid Shariah, when voicing concern over PAS’ efforts to amend Act 355.
“At the same time, those who oppose Islam cheer when such arguments are made, without realising these contradict the guidance of the Quran and sunnah.”
This year’s muktamar is the second party assembly since the 2015 party elections which saw the defeat of several veteran leaders who were contesting for top posts.
These leaders, who were part of the so-called progressive movement within PAS, later set up Parti Amanah Negara. Amanah has since teamed up with PKR and DAP to form a new opposition coalition, Pakatan Harapan.
Since the 2015 party elections, the environment at subsequent muktamars have been described by many PAS leaders as “peaceful”.