Kuala Lumpur: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar has urged politicians not to use verses from the Al-Quran and hadiths as a tool to achieve political goals, especially during election campaigns.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na'im emphasized the need to avoid such practices, particularly in matters that require consultation with religious authorities such as the mufti departments or state Islamic bodies. He advised that if it involves opinion on hukum (rulings), it is best to avoid making statements to prevent confusion among the public.

Mohd Na'im recommended referring to the mufti department or the relevant authorities and highlighted the importance of not exploiting religious texts for political gain. He made these remarks while responding to a question about the tendency of political leaders to use religious references in their campaign narratives during a Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YAPEIM) Aidilfitri celebration.

The media reported that PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, during a speech at the Ayer Kuning state by-election campaign, suggested that Muslims should prioritize political victory, even if it means postponing plans for religious pilgrimages like umrah or haj. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed regret over the campaign tactics in Ayer Kuning, which continue to raise sensitive issues, including race, religion, and royalty. Ahmad Zahid, also Barisan Nasional chairman, stated that campaigns should focus on party strengths and candidate merits rather than belittling opponents.