KUALA KUBU BAHARU – A political leader must not be “munafik” (hypocritical), said law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said over PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s fiery remarks during a ceramah event, here yesterday.
Azalina called Hadi out for having double standards following his remarks that DAP is an “extremist” party, considering how PAS and DAP had collaborated under the Pakatan Rakyat and Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner in the past.
“As a political leader, what’s more important is we cannot be ‘munafik’. (The partnership) was possible then, but not now. It was all love then, but not now. (You) mustn’t be like that.
“How was (the partnership) alright last time? Such issues were not raised at that time,” she told reporters at Kg Orang Asli Tun Abdul Razak, here today.
Yesterday, Hadi called on Selangor Umno members to avoid “repeating the party’s fate” of losing political power in the past.
He also said DAP was an extremist party, and had an agenda to gain political power through conniving measures.
Hadi, who is also Marang MP, also urged Kuala Kubu Baharu constituents to vote for a Muslim leader, saying it is “wajib” and that a political leader of Malaysia must be Malay and Muslim.
Azalina, instead, underscored the importance of professionalism as politicians, and to provide support based on ideologies.
“If we give support – or otherwise – based on elements of fear or 3R (race, religion, and royalty), it is not the approach of mature politicians. Political maturity is about ideologies,” she said.
Polling day for the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat is set for tomorrow, May 11. It was vacated following the death of DAP assemblywoman Lee Kee Hiong in March.
Four candidates are vying to secure the state seat, including Pang Sock Tao (PH), Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Hafizah Zainudin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia), and Nyau Ke Xin (independent). – May 10, 2024