Hadi says limiting PM's tenure goes against God's will

Summary

• PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang pans DAP’s suggestion to limit the PM’s tenure to two terms, saying it goes against God’s will.

• The Marang MP stresses that Islamic principles must guide the nation’s leadership.

• Hadi’s deputy Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man adds that the higher priority should be making the PM position exclusive to Malay-Muslims than limiting its tenure.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has taken aim at DAP over its suggestion to limit the prime minister’s term to 10 years, saying it goes against God’s will.

Hadi said those who have moved to embrace the idea had forgotten or chose to ignore the fundamental principles crucial to achieving success in this world and the hereafter – that Islamic principles must guide the nation’s leadership.

“This is because this responsibility (to be prime minister) is a great trust from Allah. It is not a temporary position for one person to enjoy, and then be passed on to another to take advantage of,” he said on Facebook.

On Sunday, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke suggested the government implement several promised reforms which have yet to be fulfilled, including limiting a prime minister’s term in office, and the separation of judicial powers.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed with the proposal.

The remarks had been met with a racially charged response from PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, who viewed the suggestion as an attempt by the "minority" to dictate the "majority" by dismantling the Constitution.

Another PAS leader, Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman, said the topic is open for discussion but with the condition that the prime minister position is made exclusive for Muslims.

Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad - who is from BN - also commented on the matter, stating that it needs to be studied comprehensively and warned that it could be detrimental to limit a "visionary leader" from helming the country.

Commenting further, Hadi said the affairs of the Muslim community can only be undertaken by those who profess the religion, and meet the necessary qualifications.

“However, if a leader carries out an act of betrayal that forfeits the qualifications, his duties must be terminated,” he added.

Leading until death

Hadi said that throughout history, all Islamic leaders carried out their responsibilities as leaders with unwavering commitment until their last breath.

“Allah had decreed that prophets who carried the teachings of Islam also played the role of leader. Upon their demise, other prophets take over the role,” the Marang MP said.

Hadi added that PAS remained open to working with non-Muslims who are not extremists and can accept Islamic leadership in the country.

“Liberal factions dominating the political landscape are actively working to dismantle the system that safeguards Islamic rights,” he claimed.

‘Make PM post only for Malay-Muslims’

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said making the prime minister position exclusive to Malay-Muslims is of higher priority than limiting its tenure.

In a statement, he said the party believes it is more crucial to amend the Federal Constitution to ensure that only a Malay-Muslim can be prime minister.

“PAS is of the opinion that this condition is very important to ensure future stability and to avoid conflicts.

“Malaysians must accept the reality that this country has been known as Tanah Melayu. Every citizen has to understand through the Rukun Negara that the Malay rulers are the pillars of the government to whom we must give our loyalty.

“Thus, every citizen must agree without prejudice that the prime minister position must be held by a Malay-Muslim leader.

“This condition has to be given priority before the proposal to limit the prime minister’s term,” Tuan Ibrahim said on Facebook.

The Kubang Kerian MP also echoed Hadi’s sentiment, saying the length of a prime minister’s tenure has nothing to do with abuse of power and corruption.

“This is because all good or bad deeds are not tied to a time period, but instead have to do with one’s principles and beliefs.”

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