TENGKU Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz stressed that he strongly disagrees with the statement attributed to Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, suggesting that even the most wicked Muslim ruler would not be as unjust as a non-Muslim.
“As a Muslim, I believe that Islam teaches us to be fair to everyone.
“If a Muslim abuses their power, engages in corruption, or oppresses the people, does their wrongdoing become any less severe simply because they are a Muslim? Certainly not.
“And if a non-Muslim carries out their responsibilities with honesty and fairness, why should we dismiss their good deeds solely because of their religion?” he asked.
The prime minister's senior political adviser said Islam has never taught us to condone injustice committed by Muslims, nor to judge others based on their religion.
He said Malaysia was built by people of various races and religions who live, work, and contribute together.
“Differences in religion should never be a reason for us to disparage one another.
“Do not use religion as a pretext to defend injustice. Wrong is wrong—even when committed by someone who shares our own faith,” he said.
The PAS president yesterday rejected news reports quoting him as saying that even the most wicked Muslim ruler was not as oppressive as a non-Muslim leader, describing it as misleading and taken out of context.
The PAS president's office said his original speech was intended to explain that Islamic politics was guided by considerations of sin and reward, to ensure just governance and protect the rights of non-Muslim communities.
“The original speech by the PAS president was to explain that politics in Islam is based on considerations of sin and reward, which leads to just governance and guarantees the rights of non-Muslim communities,” the statement said. – November 14, 2026
