PUTRAJAYA – A leader's actions, whether just or oppressive, should not be judged based on religion or race, but rather on their integrity, trustworthiness and ability to govern a country.
DAP Shah Alam City Centre Branch chairman Nor Miswary Ramli said Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's remarks that even the worst Muslim administration is less oppressive than a non-Muslim administration, could breed prejudice and hostility in a multiracial society.
"The Pas president should realise that justice and oppression have never been determined by a person's religion or race.
"World history has proven that anyone can commit acts of oppression, regardless of their religious, racial or family background.
"Likewise, the values of justice, integrity, trustworthiness and humanity are not exclusive to any religious group," he said in a statement on Friday.
Miswary, who is also the Private Secretary to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), said in a multiracial country like Malaysia, leadership should not be judged solely based on religious sentiments.
"An oppressive leader remains oppressive, a corrupt leader remains corrupt, and a leader who fails must still be held accountable, regardless of their religion or political party," he said.
Earlier, Hadi, in his speech at the BN and PN Grand Finale rally in Melaka, stressed that political considerations in Islam were based on the concepts of sin and reward, while claiming that non-Muslims were oppressive.
He claimed that Muslims' failure to turn out to vote could allow others to come to power and govern according to their own considerations, thereby disregarding the responsibilities entrusted by Allah SWT.
Meanwhile, Miswary said the people should be given the freedom to make their choices based on facts, policies and candidates' ability to offer a better future.
"Religious differences should not be turned into political weapons to frighten the people or create the perception that only certain groups are qualified to govern.
"Malaysia was built on mutual understanding, diversity and a spirit of togetherness. We need leaders who unite the people, not those who continue to deepen divisions," he said.
He said the true measure of a leader was not merely the religion they professed, but the justice they upheld, the responsibilities they carried out and the well-being they delivered to the people.
"Islam does not need a politics of hatred to prove its greatness. Instead, the beauty of Islam is reflected through justice, good character and its ability to serve as a blessing to all humanity.
"It is time for the country's politics to move away from exploiting religious sentiments towards values-based politics, integrity and service to the people," he said.