feature

Terengganu Chief Minister Abdul Hadi Awang, when met at his home last weekend, seemed to be in some discomfort, wearing a neck brace due to an old car accident injury acting up.

But when asked on his plans for Terengganu, the 54-year-old deputy president of opposition party PAS showed no signs of strain and launched into a full explanation on the concept of an 'Islamic state'.

"The source and guide of an Islamic state is not Iran or the Taliban, but based on the Quran and Hadith (the examples set by Prophet Muhammad). The environment of those countries is different from ours and the character of their communities is also different. We have to be aware of that.

"Furthermore, the population there is almost 100 percent Muslim while we have a huge number of non-Muslims," said Hadi, putting to rest fears that his concept of an Islamic state would be based on any of these countries.

He gave his assurance that the rights of non-Muslims are fully catered for under an 'Islamic state' and that there will be no discrimination in all fields.

"In an Islamic state, we have to allow the non-Muslims the right to follow their religion and culture, provided it does not disturb the others. They have to ensure that it does not disturb others. That is the rule," said Hadi, who has been criticised for trampling the rights of the non-Muslims by limiting the sale of alcohol.

Islamic state

Hadi admits the envisioned "Islamic state" would not be implemented just yet as there is the character and attitude of the people, especially the state civil service, that needed to be changed first in order to be more in line with the teachings of Islam.

"This is due to the inherited attitude from the previous Barisan Nasional government, where those at the top set an example to the lower level staff to steal time and become opportunists," said Hadi, who is making sure that he and other top state civil officers lead by example.

His house For one, Hadi has foregone the housing allowance and he is not particular about claiming his expenses.

He is still staying in Kampung Rusila, the place where he built his reputation as a fiery speaker in ceramahs . His house furnishings are also very typical of a simple Malay kampung house.

On the widespread publicity given to hudud , he explained that there are many complexities to go through before one can actually decide to cut off a thief's hand.

"A judge must endeavour to find a way to release the accused from hudud , not try to nail him in whatever way possible. That must never be. In Islam, it is believed that to release a thief who has wronged is better than to convict a man who is innocent.

"We should not think that just because there are 40,000 thieves in the country today, when hudud is implemented, there would be 40,000 amputees," he stressed.

"We should look at it this way - when hudud is implemented, 40,000 thieves would quit stealing. Hudud is preventive and to create fear. Even before hudud can be implemented, people would be already afraid to commit crimes," said Hadi.

Although Hadi seemed very sure that Terengganu people give their full support for the implementation of a true Islamic state, he also realises that he has to first get the 'house' in order.

Gold

Hadi said he has inherited a state government which is debt ridden and full of mismanagement after being ruled by Barisan Nasional for 20 years.

The "hijacking" of the oil royalty, the biggest revenue for the state with the richest natural resources in Malaysia, has put a big dent on Hadi and his state government's plan to develop Terengganu and assist the poor.

"There are still people who are yet to receive piped water and electricity supply, even though they may be living right next to the hydro dam in Kenyir. They have been forgotten for 20 years although there was RM1 billion in royalty payments to the state government then. Even then, the state was burdened with debts amounting to RM700 million," said Hadi.

He said not getting the royalty has forced the government to look for other ways to keep afloat, such as being thrifty, encouraging people to pay their tithe and also getting the well-to-dos to donate to those who have nothing. "The belt is tight but they are breathing".

Hadi said the royalty issue will still be trumped up and it is already filed in the courts.

Another interesting plan of Hadi's state government is to dig whatever they have and Terengganu has a lot to give. In fact, Terengganu might just be the next gold rush destination.

"We have found gold in a few places in Terengganu, such as Dungun, Marang and Besut. We will involve the people in the mining activities. The people's share will be 60 percent and the government's share, 40 percent," said Hadi, who added that the gold belongs purely to the state.

Hadi believed that these long-term plans will work, for he claimed that the response of the people since he headed the state government has been encouraging.

Tomorrow:

Part 1 of an exclusive interview with Abdul Hadi Awang.