I READ the article Dr Sam’s PAS vs Hadi’s PAS: Which one will Malaysians get? with great interest.
The writer, Big Boom Media Editor in Chief Terence Fernandez, focused on, in his opinion, conflicting stands by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, and vice-president and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (Dr Sam).
For me, the question does not necessarily have to be Hadi or Dr Sam. Malaysia needs both elements they represent; firm principles and the courage to progress.
Tuan Guru Hadi reminds us that in pursuing development and progress, we must not lose our moral and religious foundations. Religion should serve as a moral compass—guiding our decisions, shaping our sense of right and wrong, and grounding leaders and society in accountability beyond political or personal interests.
Dr Sam, on the other hand, presents a vision of how those principles can be translated into the realities of a modern Malaysia—a multiracial and multireligious nation that must continue moving forward through knowledge, technology, economic development, good governance and an administration that understands the needs of today’s society.
Religion without progress can leave us behind. Progress without values can leave us without direction.
That is why I personally appreciate the philosophy behind “Terengganu Maju, Berkat, Sejahtera.”
Those three words represent an important balance.
Maju: Progress.
We must continue advancing our economy, education, technology and the quality of life of our people.
Berkat: Values and moral grounding.
Our progress must be accompanied by integrity, principles, responsibility and accountability.
Sejahtera: Well-being.
Ultimately, development must translate into a better and more secure life for all citizens, regardless of race, religion or background.
This is the kind of balance I would like to see for Malaysia.
We should not move so quickly that we leave behind our values and identity. At the same time, we cannot be so resistant to change that the rest of the world moves ahead while we remain behind.
Religion should guide progress, and progress should lead to justice, stability and shared prosperity.
To me, this is where Tuan Guru Hadi’s emphasis on upholding religion and Dr Sam’s vision of a progressive, inclusive Malaysia, can meet.
They do not have to contradict one another. They can and should work hand in hand towards building a Malaysia that is principled, just, stable, progressive and prosperous for everyone. — August 24, 2026
Dr Balachandran Gopal Krishnan is Special Officer (Non-Muslim Affairs) to the Menteri Besar of Terengganu.