The Malaysian Insight

ABDUL Hadi Awang was being petty when he picked on Anwar Ibrahim’s visits to non-Muslim places of worship, the PKR president-elect said.

The Port Dickson by-election candidate said Islam doesn’t forbid Muslims from visiting any religious places of worship.

“I did not attend to pray in the temple. I only attended an event on temple grounds. I will continue to do so,” Anwar told reporters in a press conference today hours after Hadi questioned such visits.

Anwar visited a Chinese temple yesterday on the campaign trail, and in the past had no qualms joining cultural events organised by the Indian community.

Hadi at a PAS ceramah last night said Anwar was an opportunist and an actor that cannot be trusted.

The Marang MP pointed out that Anwar behaved like a Chinese when he went to their temple, and an Indian when he went to their temple, so he is not acting like a true Muslim.

The former deputy prime minister added Islam does not forbid anyone from interacting with a person of a different faith.

“It is important to realise that in Islamic tradition, it does not stop us from respecting other religions and attending (events),” Anwar said.  

Anwar hit back at Hadi, claiming that even PAS members attended events at temples during its time with the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat.

“There were a lot of PAS members who used to follow me in Pakatan Rakyat. Now they say it is forbidden,” he said.

Hadi also taunted Anwar by saying the PKR leader did not dare to contest in a Malay-majority seat.

“He chose a seat where 60% of the voters are non-Muslim. Why not contest in a Muslim-majority seat?” Hadi asked.

Anwar is contesting in the Port Dickson by-election in a seven-cornered fight in an attempt to get into Parliament.

The Port Dickson parliamentary seat has 75,212 registered voters, comprising 43% Malays, 33% Chinese and 22% Indians. – October 1, 2018.