KUALA LUMPUR: Pas has strayed far from the foundational principles established by the party's former leaders, said Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said the party has deviated from the struggles of Datuk Seri Prof Zulkifli Muhammad, Dr Burhanuddin Al Hilmi, Ustaz Fadhil Noor, Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

"Under Hadi's leadership, they would surely be dismayed by Pas's decline, including Hadi's failure to defend his win in Terengganu in the 1999 general election, where he served as the Menteri Besar for only a term.  He is remembered for his incompetent and weak leadership.

"Muslims in Malaysia face numerous issues, including drug addiction, domestic violence, corruption, poverty and high HIV infection rates.

"However, Pas and Hadi have failed to address these urgent issues. Instead, they seem focused on taking over the government's responsibilities and neglecting the hudud agenda that Pas once championed," he said in a statement today.

While the current government is committed to fighting corruption and embezzlement, Saifuddin criticised Pas for its perceived friendliness with those involved in such activities.

Similarly, he said, while the government is dedicated to supporting the Palestinian cause, Pas leaders are preoccupied with personal desires such as adding more wives.

"Do the various acts of corruption, hostility, and hatred we see from Pas indicate that it is driven more by desire and has been deprived of Allah's mercy?"

"Are Pas members aware that behind arguments rooted in the Quran and hadith are attitudes and actions that deviate from Islamic teachings?

"Are Pas followers and leaders aware that their values, positions, messages, and approaches increasingly resemble those of the Khawarij, with Hadi being entirely responsible for instilling these values and practices over the past 40 years?" Saifuddin questioned. 

He said the Madani government's efforts to improve the country's economy to help the people has proved to be successful.

Meanwhile, he said Pas's weak attempt to damage investors' trust shows a hypocritical political struggle based on slander.

"We should avoid divisive rhetoric and instead prioritise constructive dialogue to address the country's challenges.

"As a responsible leader, statements need to be based on facts and bring unity, not division," he said.

Saifuddin also urged leaders to be critical in evaluating the use of religion, distinguishing between political interests and the best for the community.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/09/1106791/saifuddin-says-pas-under-hadis-leadership-has-strayed-founders