Islam first, then race, Hadi tells Malays
KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 — Religion should be at the forefront of the Malay agenda, not racial supremacy, as only adherence to Islam will ensure a brighter future for Malays, PAS has said.
Party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said today that it was time for Malay rights proponents to realise and understand that being racial “fanatics” would not help them.
He said while the Quran expressively stated that it was not wrong to care or champion one’s race, it has to be based on Islamic teachings.
“It is time for all Malay fighters to understand and realise that the true slogan is not to defend Malay (rights) first, and then Islam behind.
“Believe this, Malays will not be safe without the guidance of Islam,” Hadi (picture) said in an open letter.
Proof of this, said the PAS chief, was the fall of the Arab race during the time of Prophet Muhammad as the Arabs had only placed importance on race rights and nothing else.
“There is nothing wrong with a person’s love for his race, because this is the natural nature of human beings, but the reality is that in this world there are many races, with familial ties living together as a society, it is impossible (for one race to) live on its own,” he wrote.
Islam, said Hadi, stressed on ensuring that the rights of Muslims as well as non-Muslims are taken care of and that no one should be unfairly persecuted because of their beliefs.
The problem today, he added, was the ruling government’s interpretation of Islam, whereby Umno does not regard Islamic teachings as a way of life (al-Din).
“Islam is just a religion for Umno, they cannot place or create leaders who are strong in the religion, only those who clamour and fight to lead the country.
“Islam, according to Umno, has been selectively enforced for the party’s own interests, for worldly gains,” Hadi stressed.
This, he said, was the main difference between PAS and Umno.
He said PAS would adhere to proper Islamic teachings, whereby the rights of every race will be guaranteed and there would be fairness for all Malaysians.
