‘Corruption is corruption’: Saifuddin takes aim at Hadi over remarks on Muslim, non-Muslim leaders

Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has criticised PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over his remarks that even the worst Muslim government is less oppressive than a non-Muslim administration. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Friday, 13 Nov 2026 3:31 PM MYT

PETALING JAYA, Nov 13 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has criticised PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over his remarks that even the worst Muslim government is less oppressive than a non-Muslim administration, saying leaders should be judged by their integrity and actions, not religion.

In a statement today, Saifuddin Nasution said such comparisons were regrettable as they risked using religion to divide society and excuse wrongdoing by political leaders.

He said Islam taught Muslims to uphold justice even towards those they disliked, citing verse eight of Surah Al-Maidah, which states: “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just, for that is closer to righteousness.”

Saifuddin Nasution questioned the suggestion that an oppressive Muslim leader should be considered better than a non-Muslim simply because of their religious identity.

He said a leader’s worth should instead be measured by their trustworthiness, fairness and ability to protect the people under their care.

“Corruption is corruption. Oppression is oppression. Betrayal of trust remains wrongdoing, regardless of who commits it.

“We must not use religion to provide moral protection for corrupt leaders,” he said.

He stressed that Islam’s standing should not be built by belittling other religions. 

Saifuddin stressed that Islam’s standing should not be elevated by belittling other religions, adding that respecting the rights of other races and faiths would not weaken the Malay community or Muslims.

Instead, he said Muslims would earn greater respect by setting an example through justice, progress, wisdom and compassion towards all people.

He also said elections should not become platforms for stirring racial and religious fears or prejudice.

His statement followed Hadi’s remarks at the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional grand finale rally in Melaka, where the PAS president urged Muslims to vote, warning that their failure to do so could allow non-Muslims to take power.