Reject candidates 'covered in mud of corruption' - Perak's Friday sermon

GE15 | The Friday sermon for Perak today called for Muslims to reject leaders who are embroiled in corruption.

“Prove our determination to fight corruption through our ballot papers by rejecting and not giving our votes to candidates who are linked to or covered in the mud of corruption.

“Prove our determination in rejecting corruption by not allowing ourselves to be bought by bribes to the point we choose a candidate due to being influenced by money-filled envelopes,” according to the text which was uploaded onto the Perak Islamic Religious Department’s website.

At the same time, the sermon also preached about those who must be kept away from becoming leaders.

“First: Those who like to listen to or create false news.

“Second: Those who like to consume haram sources, such as corruption and breach of trust,” the sermon text read.

Pick those with good characters

Elaborating on the characteristics of leaders who should be chosen, the sermon said these people must be capable of upholding dignity and preserving peace.

These individuals must also have clean images and are not “puppets or dolls who easily succumb to pressure”.

“Make a choice with your heart and a clear mind by evaluating the nature, character, attitude and stance of the candidate.

“Choose candidates who have an honest and sincere personality, noble morals and character, are knowledgeable, practise a simple lifestyle and do not display excessive wealth,” it added.

The sermon called upon the congregation to fulfil their duties by not wasting their votes tomorrow.

Malaysians will cast their votes to elect 221 parliamentary seats tomorrow. One Parliament seat - Padang Serai - will not be part of the national polls as it has been postponed to Dec 7 following the death of a candidate.

The 15th general election was called following caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s advice to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament on Oct 10.

Ismail Sabri had been under intense pressure from his party Umno, whose president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has been the most vocal about pushing for an election this year.

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