GEORGE TOWN: Voters are advised to choose their future leaders carefully, following the Islamic principles of Siyasah Syar'iyyah.
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor encouraged voters to elect candidates known to be persons of faith, do not neglect religious obligations, are obedient worshippers with noble character and who refrain from immoral acts.
''Chosen candidates should be sincere in serving the people and are ready to defend and fight for their rights.
''The candidates must also be trustworthy with integrity, not greedy of possessions or misuse their positions to accumulate wealth,'' he said today.
Wan Salim also advised voters not to pick candidates who are known to be traitors to the country, religion and the people.
''Don't choose those who are proven to be greedy for wealth for themselves, their families and cronies by ignoring the plight of the people.
''Additionally, don't elect those who call for or stand for immorality such as supporters of LGBT groups.
''Choose leaders who understand the interests of the community and care about their hardships, regardless of ethnic and religious background,'' he added.
According to Wan Salim, Islam does not prohibit its people from choosing non-Muslims as leaders if they are not hostile to the religion and to Muslims or who are believed to provide good services to the country and its people.
Meanwhile, he said, a combination of senior and new leaders was necessary, considering that Prophet Muhammad SAW also paired the two groups together.
''It is necessary to follow the examples set by the Prophet in which he paired these two groups.
''He choose seniors like Abu Bakar and Umar as leaders, who were always consulted for advice and views on various issues related to the people and the country.
"In addition, the Prophet also trusted young people such as Ali bin Abi Talib, Khalid bin Walid, Usamah bin Zaid and others by appointing them to lead the war or placing them in important positions," he said.