GEORGE TOWN: Being a just leader is better than praying for 60 years, says Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor citing a hadith of the Prophet, in response to a government preacher’s call that Dr Mahathir Mohamad spend his time in prayer instead of making a political comeback.

Salim said there is nothing wrong with Mahathir’s political comeback if the intention is to correct the wrongs of the past.

“However, if his return is for selfish interests, such as for his family and cronies, then it would be wrong,” he told FMT.

He was asked about recent remarks from Zamihan Mat Zin, who among others said Mahathir should spend his time in prayer and repent for all his “sins” when he led the government for 22 years.

Mahathir, 93, who chairs Pakatan Harapan, is also the coalition’s candidate for prime minister.

Salim said a good Muslim must carry out good deeds while they are alive.

“Repenting is not by merely chanting for forgiveness from Allah, but by changing one’s ways and habits.

“So, if someone has been a leader or ruler, and has done a lot of evil deeds when in power, then that person should now do what is right for the people,” he added.

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