KUCHING: The insensitive remarks made by Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang pinning corruption on non-Muslims warrants his dismissal as a special envoy said a Sarawak Deputy Minister.
Datuk Liwan Lagang, the state’s Deputy Utilities and Telecommunications Minister said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should take the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) president to task over the latter’s recent insensitive remarks.
The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) vice president at the same time, also called for Abdul Hadi to be banned from Sarawak for life as his character is not welcome in these shores.
“Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, please look at yourself in the mirror before commenting on others. Corruption is not associated with any particular race and religion as it is a social disease that must be nipped in the bud and be eradicated in a holistic way.
“To say the majority of those who chase illicit gains in Malaysia are non-Muslims and non-Bumiputeras, is just a sweeping comment without providing proper data and statistics.
“And what is worse is that it does not reflect the ‘reality’ of what is happening now in Malaysia,” he said today.
Liwan said Hadi should do his best to unite all Malaysians especially due to his party’s religious background instead of being a loose cannon and attacking others.
“What has become of you as a leader? Do you want to be remembered as a racist and religious bigot instead of leaving behind an honourable legacy like the late PAS spiritual advisor, Tok Guru Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who was respected by all Malaysians regardless of race and religion as a wise person?” he asked.
“Instead, you have not led by example because I have not heard anything positive that comes out of your mouth ever since you insulted us back in 2009,” he said when referring to Hadi’s negative comments on the Ibans during the Batang Ai by-election in 2009, whereby the latter blamed the Pakatan Rakyat’s loss in April of that year solely on ignorant “cawat”- or loincloth-wearing voters who did not know how to vote.
Liwan said Sarawak is blessed because its leaders, led by our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg understands and respects all religions and races.
“If Hadi is so blind, as he has shown himself to be, he should learn from our Premier since he (premier) is an excellent example of a just and moderate Muslim leader in a multi-racial and multi-religious society here in Sarawak,” he said.
Liwan questioned Hadi has he forgotten or purposely ignored that fact Kelantan which has been administered by PAS, continues to remain one of the poorest states in the country.
“If Hadi is a capable leader, he should work quietly and let his works be seen as an example in all PAS-led states to prosper. Additionally, he should be a leader to stamp out not only corruption but also other immoral activities,” said Liwan.
