GE15: Voters need to choose their future leaders carefully - Mufti
GEORGETOWN - Voters are advised to choose their future leader based on the Islamic principles of Siyasah Syar'iyyah in the 15th General Election (GE15).
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said the country needed leaders known to be persons of faith, do not abandon religious obligation, obedient worshippers, virtuous and refrain from immoral acts.
He said the candidates who will be chosen have to be sincere in serving the people and prepared to defend the fate of the people and fight for the people's interests.
"The country needs a leader who is trustworthy, has integrity and not greedy of possessions or misuse their position to accumulate wealth,'' he said.
"I advise voters to choose potential leaders carefully, don't choose leaders who are known to be traitors to the country, religion and the people.
"Don't choose those who were proven to be greedy of possessions for themselves, their families and cronies by abandoning the people.
"What is important is not to choose a candidate from those who fight for immoral acts such as the LGBT groups," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Wan Salim said the people should choose leaders who were concerned for the public and cared about the hardships that people faced regardless of their ethnic and religious background.
"Islam does not prohibit its people from choosing non-Muslims as leaders whom they believed could provide the best services to the people and the country," he said.
He said considering that Prophet Muhammad SAW also paired the senior and new leaders groups together, the combination was necessary.
"Among the examples was that the Prophet chose seniors like Abu Bakar and Umar as leaders, who were always consulted for advice and views on various issues related to the people and the country," he said.
He said the combination of youth and senior leadership could help the public who needed experienced and new leaders at the same time.
"The senior groups had the wide experience, maturity, wisdom, calmness in facing challenges, as well as gained the public's respect.
"Meanwhile the youth group has its specialties that must be acknowledged and brings benefits for the good and progress of the country among them were that they have the strong fighting spirit, strength and determination.
"The youth group had the physical energy and strength as well as prepared to devote and sacrifice for the sake of the country and the nation by upholding the principles they believe in," he added.
