What does Hadi Awang’s support for Umno ministers signal about PAS priorities?

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Hadi Awang's Alignment with Umno Signals PAS's Prioritisation of Political Power Over Islamic Principles

Hadi Awang's continued support for ministers within a government led by Umno, despite significant corruption convictions against key Umno figures, suggests that PAS prioritises political influence and power retention above adherence to Islamic moral integrity. This stance has led to accusations that PAS, under Hadi's leadership, is compromising fundamental Islamic teachings for political expediency, particularly evident in their silence on corruption cases and the controversial use of religious rhetoric in politics.
Silence on Corruption and Political Alliances

Despite the established guilt of former prime minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor for corruption, Hadi Awang has remained notably silent. This silence is particularly striking given the central Islamic tenet that condemns corruption and illicit enrichment. Furthermore, PAS has maintained its participation in a government led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri, a leader from Umno, the party associated with the convicted figures. This decision to remain in power, rather than withdrawing from a government perceived as tainted by corruption, has been interpreted as a prioritisation of political gain over the moral and ethical standards espoused by Islam. The Quranic injunction against consuming wealth unjustly (Al-Baqarah 2:188) appears to be overlooked in favour of maintaining a position within the ruling coalition.
The "Kafir Mengkafir" Controversy and Religious Rhetoric

Hadi Awang and PAS have also faced criticism for their deployment of religious rhetoric in political discourse, specifically the practice of "Kafir Mengkafir," which involves accusing opponents of being infidels. This approach is seen by many as a violation of Islamic principles, which emphasise the importance of respect and the prohibition of arbitrarily labelling individuals as infidels. The fact that the current PAS religious minister, Idris Ahmad, has reportedly removed a fatwa concerning Hadi's "Amanat Hadi" on "kafir-mengkafir" further fuels concerns about the party's commitment to genuine Islamic teachings. This is contrasted with Pakatan Harapan, a coalition Hadi has labelled as "Infidels and the corrupt," despite its stated agenda of combating corruption.
Compromising Islamic Principles for Power

Critics argue that Hadi and PAS are deviating from "Al Siratul Mustaqim" (The Straight Path) as referenced in the Quran. This deviation is exemplified by PAS's party conventions, which have affirmed that only PAS is deserving of power. This assertion contradicts the broader Islamic emphasis on justice, integrity, and the condemnation of corruption. The party's silence on issues such as the charges faced by editors of The Edge for exposing stock market manipulation further underscores this perception. Instead of upholding the Islamic tradition of speaking truth to power and condemning wrongdoing, Hadi and PAS appear to be selectively engaging with issues, prioritising their political position and alliances with Umno over a consistent application of Islamic jurisprudence and ethical governance.

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What does Hadi Awang’s support for Umno ministers signal about PAS priorities?

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