PAN-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) president Abdul Hadi Awang has criticised political parties that are opposed to the Islamic agenda, saying that they were the biggest threats to the freedom of religion in the country.

Without naming the political parties, Abdul Hadi said they were also a threat to the concept of Islam as the religion of the Federation.

“There are political parties that are competing amongst themselves to oppose the agenda to strengthen Islam among Muslims in Malaysia.

“These parties are constantly challenging each other over who is the strongest opponent of the Islamic message as if this is the latest trend,” said Abdul Hadi in his policy speech at PAS’ 63 annual assembly today.

The assembly comes on the heels of a fractious initiative by PAS to enhance punishments for syariah offences.

The initiative, through a private member’s bill that Hadi tabled in Dewan Rakyat, has been fiercely opposed by non-Muslim Barisan Nasional parties and the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

The bill has also drawn flak from several Muslim politicians and civil society groups.

Hadi said such Muslims, saying they were becoming pawns in a game by those who had ill will towards Muslims who wanted to adopt Islam as a way of life.

“What is important is that we are not swayed by modern politics which has sidelined the Quran and Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet). Or that we only take parts of the religion to the point that we become tools for those who oppose an Islamic agenda. People who want to divide us and misuse knowledge.” – April 29, 2017