ALOR SETAR — PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has claimed that the “Malaysia Madani” slogan introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government is nothing more than a tool to deceive the people.
In his keynote address at the party’s 71st annual congress in Kedah today, Hadi announced this year’s theme — “Returning to Islamic Solutions” — while lashing out at the Madani concept, according to a report published in Malaysiakini.
Hadi argued that the “Madani” idea mirrors the Western-influenced movement of haddathah (reform), which he equated with terms such as reformist, progressive, conservative, liberal Islam and secular Islam — all of which, he said, could mislead the faith.
“The true Madani is Islam having the authority to govern human affairs. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the greatest model for the modern era, when humankind has been granted the knowledge that connects the entire world.
“The problem is that ‘Malaysia Madani’ has been turned into a slogan to trick the people with a shallow understanding devoid of knowledge — a meaningless slogan without direction or guidance. It has also been narrowed down merely to this small patch of land called Malaysia, instead of the wider world.
“On the economy, we have witnessed the failures of socialism and communism as they go against human nature. Now, we are also seeing signs of liberal capitalism’s downfall for the same reasons,” he said.
Also present at today’s congress were Perikatan Nasional leaders including Bersatu president and PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau, and Malaysian Indian People’s Party president P Punithan.
The Madani concept was introduced by Anwar in January 2023 as a national governance framework anchored on principles of good governance, justice, and equality.
It outlined six core values — sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion — aimed at building a more humane, progressive, and prosperous Malaysia for all.
Addressing over 4,400 delegates at the Kedah PAS Complex, Hadi, who is also the Marang MP, further stressed that the economy must be restructured so wealth does not remain concentrated among a select few.
“The country is now burdened with heavy debts, and worse still, plagued by the sin of usury — forbidden and fought by Allah and His Messenger. Yet usury remains the foundation of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which serve as the economic qiblah for materialist nations.
“We must democratise the economy with people’s participation, ensuring that its benefits reach the majority. Wealth must not be recycled among the same circles. Limited resources can be managed and grown through knowledge and wisdom, while leakage can be curbed by faith in sin and reward, and by upholding noble morals to prevent misconduct, abuse, and corruption.
“Meanwhile, urban development must be balanced — in terms of progress, demographics, and people’s wellbeing — without sidelining or marginalising any group,” he said.
