The mufti of Perlis has advised the new Pakatan Harapan government not to strive for “cosmetic” and populist appearances of Islam, but instead to concentrate on good governance and justice.

The outspoken mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said in Islam, it is more important for a government to be honest and competent.

“Islam has never required a leader to be an ulama, a mullah or an ustaz. And the leader need not be one who wears the jubah or kopiah.

“There is also no need for the names of states, kampung, buildings, offices or slogans to be changed to Arabic phrases,” Asri said on his Facebook today.

He added that religious scholars could also be leaders if qualified, but so should any others who fit the job.

Islam never dictates the shape and form of a government needed to achieve trust and excellence as it provides a general guideline, but not the finer details, he said.

“As long as (the government) is fair, not cruel and does not go against general Islamic principles, then any approach can be taken.

“Where ever there is justice, then surely that is Islamic politics,” he said.

Supporting bad leaders

Arguing against “superficial” interpretation of the scriptures, Asri (photo) noted how some who speak of the role of Islam in governance were only concerned about shallow matters.

Without naming any party, Asri said such people placed importance on speaking and looking like men of religion, attending talks and giving assistance to religious programmes and so on.

“In the meantime, when it comes to building integrity and good governance, they don't feel it upholds Islamic teachings.

“They don't see efforts to eradicate corruption as akin to upholding Islamic law. They don't champion good governance as akin to championing Islam,” he said.

Asri said due to such a wrong approach, there are those who are renowned in religion who would willingly rub shoulders with those who abuse their powers and public funds and run a rotten administration.

“As long as those leaders keep up religious appearances and utter Arabic phrases and give out certain aid, they are seen to have religious principles,” said Asri, in an apparent jibe at the infamous close relationship between PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, a scholar of some renown, and the embattled former prime minister Najib Razak.

Asri had scathing words to say about those who made excuses for corruption and wrongdoings of leaders who steal public money, believing it was in the best interest of “protecting Islam”.

He said if the new prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad aspires to follow true Islam, then his administration needs to focus on the core principles, not populist moves to attract public support like his predecessors.

“Don't repeat what the previous government had done,” he said.