In an interview with Oriental Daily News published today, he said hudud has always been part of PAS’s political ideology.
He pointed out that PAS has always hoped to implement hudud starting with Kelantan and Terengganu, under the spirit of the Federal Constitution.
On DAP’s reiteration that it is against hudud, Hadi Awang said the party will continue to engage its Pakatan Rakyat partner in dialogue, and hopes to eventually convince the latter to accept the implementation of the Islamic criminal law.
On the 13th general election, he said the PAS election machinery had already shifted into high gear last year, to ensure the party emerged victorious in the polls.
He said PAS will use the welfare state concept as the theme of its election campaign, as it is one that is acceptable for all societies.
He said the welfare state concept stresses on fair treatment for all ethnic groups, and upholds the rights of everybody regardless of their religion.
On the relationship among the three Pakatan Rakyat component parties, particularly between PAS and DAP, Hadi said PAS has never forced DAP to accept its political ideology.
Likewise, he said, DAP has respected PAS’s struggle for Islam.
“Big differences remain between PAS and DAP on the issue of hudud, but the two parties maintain regular dialogue. Such differences will not cause the two to break their ties,” he said.
On who would become the next prime minister should Pakatan win the next election, Hadi said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not the only choice.
“We can accept Anwar as a candidate for the premiership, but we also accept any leader who commands the support of the majority of the Malays and other races as the prime minister.”
He said PAS’s stand is that any Muslim leader who has the support of the majority of the people can be the prime minister.
Asked if he thinks Pakatan can retain Kedah in the next election, Hadi said with many factors working against the current state government, Chinese voters will be the kingmakers.
He said Pakatan’s victory in many Kedah state seats, where the outcome will be decided by a few thousand votes, would depend on which side the Chinese voters support.
Hadi , the Marang MP who had before said he might not contest in the 13th general election, told the daily he has changed his mind following requests by party leaders as well as those from Pakatan component parties for him to contest.
