MARANG: “He is already old, let him come to realisation on his own.
This was Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s reaction to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for labeling him an infidel and a traitor for cooperating with Umno.
The Pas president said in labeling as an infidel and traitor, it also showed how extreme the former Prime Minister had become.
This Hadi said was further compounded by Dr Mahathir’s personal attack against him which smacked as a political tactic to bring down leaders.
“Of course it is extreme (to label me an infidel and a traitor). But let him come to own senses. He is an old man”
“It looks like he is desperate, with his back against the wall. When he is against the wall, he can’t move, he has to bulldoze his way through the wall”, Hadi said after launching the Pas election machinery for the 14th general election for the state constituincy of Berangan, here, last night.
Hadi said the latest outburst will go towards Dr Mahathir hurting himself.
The Marang member of Parliament also called on Dr Mahathir to repent for labeling him as an infidel and traitor.
“He has sit down (alone) and think back (what he said). He needs to think and read a lot. Don’t just read medical books, should also read books on Islam.
“I leave it to him to repent. Hopefully he repent’s. Between both of us, I had forgiven him. Between him and god, he needs to repent.
Earlier, in his speech, Hadi said Pas had been extremely patient with Dr Mahathir, particularly when he was the Prime Minister, for opposing the Islamic party’s efforts to strengthen the path of Islamic administration.
“When we (Pas administration) passed Islamic laws in Kelantan, he warned that in the event if the laws were implemented, the federal government will take action”.
He adds that Dr Mahathir during his era had also insulted Islam when opposed the Islamic party’s stand on ‘Aurat’.
“He (Dr Mahathir) said it (Aurat) is not a religious practice, but merely customary in nature. He does not want us to implement Islamic law.”
It is however opposite under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Now he said it was based on mature and peaceful politics as both Pas and Umno are able to meet and agree in the implementation of several Islamic laws.
“We can discuss with the current Prime Minister, as we need to undertake several changes,” he said.
“In Mahahir’s era, he does not even want to consider of us in implementing Islam.
On Dr Mahathir’s allegation that the Rhu Rendang state assemblyman was responsible for the Memali tragedy, Hadi said he had written a book explaining the tragedy.
“I do not want to repeat, refer to the book, that is enough,” he said
Commenting on former Pas Vice-President Datuk Mahfuz Omar quitting the party, Hadi said the Pokok Sena Member of Parliament left Pas a long time back.
“It is akin to a man who had died long ago, but only now we want to bury”, he said.