PAS should not emulate Iran under Ayatollah Khomeini’s rule by putting religious figures above criticism if it comes to power, warned former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

NONE Otherwise, he reportedly said, it would worsen corruption in Malaysia.

“I think this is a problem in PAS. For now they are not in power, but if we don’t speak up now, we would become Iran where the leader ayatollah ( left ) is above criticism and (is) untouchable,” Sinar Harian quoted him saying today.

He was speaking at a forum organised by the Malay-language daily yesterday themed 'The role of ulamas in advising leaders'.

Asri, who is also a columnist for Malaysiakini ’s Malay-language section, reportedly told the forum that any leader should be openly criticised if they committed any wrongdoings in public affairs and people’s rights.

However, he said this needs to done professionally and not through insults.

He added that sins against God, such as adultery and consumption of alcohol, should not be aired publicly and there are hadiths urging people not to disclose another’s shame.

Meanwhile, Sinar Harian quoted another panellist, Siddiq Fadzil, urging ulamas to uphold the truth at all times.

“The ulama these days forget their duty as advisors and educators. The main feature of an ulama is to fear God, not their boss,” the former Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) president reportedly said.