A circular urging Catholics to vote by Bishop Bernard Paul of the Malacca-Johor Diocese has been removed from the movement's website.

The circular saw Paul describing the election as a "second independence movement" to free Malaysia from "oppressive, demoralising deadwoods, who lie to themselves, that they 'mendahulukan rakyat' (prioritise the people)".

Paul also claimed that there was currently no clean government, elections, institutions, law enforcement, management of finances and reputable leaders.

Read more: S’wak DAP Youth schools Hadi on why religion, politics don’t mix

"There is a clamour for change, for respectability and regaining our lost maruah and martabat (pride and dignity). This is a frightening track record.

"This GE14 is that moment to move for a better Malaysia and a better future; for a nation that we can be proud of and die for," said Paul.

In view of this, Paul urged Catholics "mark X for a change and a clean Malaysia".

When contacted, the Paul declined to comment. 

Yesterday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang responded by accusing that the circular was meant to sideline Islam from the Federal Constitution and belittled the Malay rulers.

Hadi also challenged Christian leaders to take a leaf from PAS' book by standing for elections and donning their robes.

"If the PAS ulama in their robes and turbans can enter the electoral field to become candidates, then I challenge them to also jump into the political field with their chosen party without the need to take off their priest robes," he said.