KUALA LUMPUR: Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has slammed Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang for his alleged claim that non-Muslims and non-Bumiputeras are the "roots of corruption" in the country.
TI-M president Muhammad Mohan also urged the Marang member of parliament to reveal the sources and data behind his outrageous claims.
"Such comments made in a multiracial, multi-ethnic and multi-faith democracy is deplorable, racist, slanderous and potentially seditious.
"They 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.
"The parties making such publications and misrepresentations must be held accountable by the law enforcement and regulatory agencies in the country, including the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
"TI-M calls upon all Malaysians and our elected officials to practise an evidence-based approach towards understanding and fighting corruption, and to avoid making sweeping statements.
"Corruption is colour blind – it affects us all," he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng condemned Hadi's remarks as the "peak of irresponsibility" and a disservice to all Malaysians who have coexisted in harmony for decades.
"In all of Malaysia's history, was it a case of only non-Muslims and non-Bumiputeras being charged with corruption?
"Hadi brings up these profound accusations verged on racial and religious profiling. However, can the Marang MP produce any evidence to back up his claims?
"Pinning the blame on non-Muslims and non-umiputeras as scapegoats for graft is not just irresponsible, but also downright dangerous.
"I urge Hadi to refrain from making any such inflammatory statements in the course of his future political pursuits," Tan said.