PM's new cabinet blurs halal-haram boundaries, says PAS president
Published: Dec 20, 2025 2:04 PM
Updated: 5:04 PM
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has described Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s revised cabinet line-up as “syubhah” (doubtful or questionable), likening the federal administration to a meal that has blurred the lines between halal and haram.
In a lengthy “Minda Presiden PAS” (President's Thoughts) column shared on his Facebook today, Hadi first claimed that he has no intentions to comment on the cabinet reshuffle.
However, he went on to draw the analogy, which he said is apt for the Anwar-led Pakatan Harapan, a coalition he deemed liberal and secular to the point of erasing ethnic characteristics part of human nature.
He also pinned the blame of Harapan’s supposed state of affairs on its component member DAP, claiming that the coalition is adhering to secularism championed by the party.
“PAS, together with Malay Muslims and non-Malay Muslims, remain uninterested in such a dish because there are no halal and haram boundaries - it even becomes syubhah and confusing (in terms of) hukum (Islamic law).
“Among non-Muslims too, there are those who have no appetite for such a mixture,” the Marang MP said.
Following Anwar’s unveiling of his administration’s new cabinet make-up on Dec 16, PAS had turned to racial arguments to criticise the cabinet, with PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan pointing to the appointment of the federal territories minister and its deputy from the Chinese community.
Takiyuddin also took issue with DAP deputy chairperson Nga Kor Ming’s continued role as the housing and local government minister, claiming that the latest cabinet selection was made not due to merit, but over DAP’s threat to leave the government.
Anwar Ibrahim’s new cabinet
Food analogy
Hadi further drew similarities between the government’s perceived approach and the “concept of the Abrahamic religion” brought by United States President Donald Trump, a “much-celebrated guest” who the PAS leader said advocates for uniting all religions despite differing beliefs.
The former special envoy to the Middle East added that while Islam cannot force anyone to adhere to its beliefs, “true followers” remain steadfast in walking within the boundaries of halal, haram, and syubhah, as outlined by Allah.
In elaborating on his assertion that PAS continues to observe such boundaries, Hadi again used an analogy of some food that can be cooked and served together, while other dishes should be separated due to differing tastes.
“Such is the difference in the Madani society concept, which is absolute in managing a plural society, like how kuey teow is not forbidden food, but it must adhere to Allah’s boundaries on halal and haram… even if the chef wears a kopiah (skull cap) while cooking and recites bismillah.
“If the food is wrongly mixed, it will cause problems for the stomach, eventually causing various diseases afflicting the body and mind,” he said.
The 78-year-old lawmaker explained that certain political mixtures in the country can lead to various outcomes if the wrong approach is employed, with great consequences for the whole of society.
“Islam accepts the existence of a plural society characterised by a holistic civilised nature that is not found in other teachings.
“This is because (Muslims) are controlled by akidah (Islamic creed) or iman (faith) that can direct their leaders’ actions according to Allah’s boundaries,” he said.
Food analogy
Hadi further drew similarities between the government’s perceived approach and the “concept of the Abrahamic religion” brought by United States President Donald Trump, a “much-celebrated guest” who the PAS leader said advocates for uniting all religions despite differing beliefs.
The former special envoy to the Middle East added that while Islam cannot force anyone to adhere to its beliefs, “true followers” remain steadfast in walking within the boundaries of halal, haram, and syubhah, as outlined by Allah.
In elaborating on his assertion that PAS continues to observe such boundaries, Hadi again used an analogy of some food that can be cooked and served together, while other dishes should be separated due to differing tastes.
“Such is the difference in the Madani society concept, which is absolute in managing a plural society, like how kuey teow is not forbidden food, but it must adhere to Allah’s boundaries on halal and haram… even if the chef wears a kopiah (skull cap) while cooking and recites bismillah.
“If the food is wrongly mixed, it will cause problems for the stomach, eventually causing various diseases afflicting the body and mind,” he said.
The 78-year-old lawmaker explained that certain political mixtures in the country can lead to various outcomes if the wrong approach is employed, with great consequences for the whole of society.
“Islam accepts the existence of a plural society characterised by a holistic civilised nature that is not found in other teachings.
“This is because (Muslims) are controlled by akidah (Islamic creed) or iman (faith) that can direct their leaders’ actions according to Allah’s boundaries,” he said.
Separation from Pakatan Rakyat
Commenting on PAS’ previous cooperation with DAP and PKR under the Pakatan Rakyat banner, Hadi insisted that while the pact was based on principles surrounding common points of humanity, it did not mean PAS could accept everything.
“A separation (within Pakatan) occurred when there was a clash on Islamic statehood, which forced PAS to accept the demands of other parties, to the extent of abandoning its foundational principles,” he said.
“PAS is now witnessing how the influence of wrong mixtures has taken place in a society penetrated by very negative external influences, to the point where the safety of dangerous rabid dogs is prioritised over the well-being of humans.
“If left unchecked, the consequences will certainly be very bad for the nation and its people,” he warned.
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