TRANSPARENCY International Malaysia (TI-M) has slammed PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s remark branding non-Muslims and non-Bumiputera as “roots for corruption” and urged the authorities to take action against the leader for making such an irresponsible statement.
According to its president Muhammad Mohan such comments which are made in a multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-faith democracy is “deplorable, racist, slanderous and potentially seditious”.
“TI-M is appalled and embarrassed by this statement. We seek to know the sources and data behind his claims which smack of a narrow, myopic view on corruption and provokes feelings which are in direct antithesis with the Prime Minister’s concept of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’,” he remarked.
Last weekend, Hadi said that corruption should be tacked from its roots and alleged that most graft cases involved non-Bumiputera and non-Muslims.
“If not tackled, it will eventually become a disease. These groups who chase after illicit gains are the ones who eventually control the economy,” the Marang MP was reported as saying.
“They then damage our politics and a majority of them are non-Muslims and non-Bumiputera.”
The PAS leader also went on to say that qualifications were not important compared to the path of integrity one could lead as a Muslim.
On this matter, Muhammad said that the parties making such misrepresentations must be held accountable by the law enforcement and regulatory agencies in the country including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“TI-M calls upon all Malaysians and our elected officials to practice an evidence-based approach towards understanding and fighting corruption, and to avoid making sweeping statements,” he added.
“Corruption is colour blind – it affects us all.” – Aug 22, 2022
Main pic credit: The Star
