KUALA LUMPUR – KEADILAN Selangor’s Strategic Director, Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad, has launched a blistering rebuke against UMNO leader Datuk Armand Azha Abu Hanifah, accusing him of exploiting religion in a desperate bid to attack Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This follows Armand’s controversial statement alleging that ‘Allah made Anwar Prime Minister so the people can see who he really is.’
In a strongly worded response, Saifuddin described the remark as reckless, baseless, and a clear sign of political desperation.
“Such a statement is not only devoid of logic, it reflects how low some leaders of UMNO have stooped using God’s name to score cheap political points,” he said.
Saifuddin also questioned Armand’s awareness of his own party’s involvement in the current administration.
“Is Armand forgetting that Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and UMNO are part of the Unity Government? Or is he blind to the fact that this government is now cleaning up much of the mess left behind by previous UMNO leadership?”
He added, “Has Armand appointed himself a spokesperson of the heavens, claiming to speak on behalf of divine will? Such rhetoric is eerily reminiscent of fringe cult figures, not serious political leaders.”
Saifuddin warned that manipulating religion for political ends not only insults public intelligence, but also undermines the sanctity of faith itself.
“Malaysians do not need another ‘Ayah Mand’ who distorts religion for political survival,” he said, in a pointed jab referencing controversial cult leader Ayah Pin.
He reiterated that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was appointed through a legitimate democratic process backed by the law and majority parliamentary support.
“To use Allah’s name to justify political hatred is a gross moral failure and a betrayal of Islamic values,” he stressed.
Saifuddin urged all political figures to refrain from weaponising religion in public discourse, saying the rakyat deserves substance, not sensationalism.
“Enough is enough. Our politics must evolve. We need leaders who offer policies, solutions, and integrity not slander masquerading as divine truth,” he said.
Saifuddin’s statement comes amid rising political tensions and ahead of critical electoral campaigns, where the use of religious narratives has increasingly come under public scrutiny. -MalayaDailyToday
