Kesatuan pondok-pondok kelantan (pondok madani) has urged all political leaders:ondok Kelantan (Pondok MADANI) has urged all political leaders, especially those representing Islam, to exercise greater responsibility in their public statements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Baba Zulkarnain Harun, the chairman of Pondok MADANI, emphasized that a leader's influence carries significant responsibility. He noted that every word can either unify society or incite division. "Islam does not become stronger through slander. The Malays do not become stronger through fear. The country does not become stronger through division," he expressed in a Facebook statement.
Baba Zulkarnain commented on an article by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang titled 'DAP Memimpin Pakatan Harapan (PH) Menyambung Kerja Penjajah Hapuskan Melayu Islam', which was shared on Facebook. He stated that such accusations are considered slander without clear and credible evidence. Moreover, these statements could foster suspicion and hatred, potentially dividing Muslims and disturbing the harmony of Malaysia's multiracial society.
He further argued that this political approach contradicts Islamic law principles, which demand justice and verification, while prohibiting unfounded accusations. Baba Zulkarnain also highlighted a misunderstanding of Malaysia's Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy framework, stressing the importance of 'maslahah siyasiyyah' (governance in the public interest) in a democratic, multiracial, and multi-religious society.
Baba Zulkarnain explained that Malaysia operates under a system where no single political party can act unilaterally. The governance is bound by the Federal Constitution, the Royal Institution, Parliament, the law, and principles of checks and balances. He noted that Islam has a clear position in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, while the special status of Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak is safeguarded under Article 153.
He criticized the portrayal of DAP's involvement in the Unity Government as a threat to Malays and Islam, asserting it misrepresents Malaysia's governmental system. Baba Zulkarnain reminded that the federal government is a coalition of multiple political parties, and policies undergo rigorous administrative, legislative, and institutional scrutiny.
Finally, Baba Zulkarnain emphasized the need for Malaysian politics to evolve from fear-based tactics to solutions-oriented approaches. He called for political parties to focus on offering ideas to enhance the economy, reduce living costs, create jobs, strengthen education, combat poverty, and improve citizens' well-being.