Anwar Ibrahim Criticizes Labeling Fellow Muslims as Hypocrites

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized the tendency to label fellow Muslims as hypocrites on October 28, 2026, following a parliamentary dispute. The remarks come after Takiyuddin Hassan refused to retract his use of the word munafik during a Budget 2027 debate, leading to a potential referral to Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee.

While the hadith did not name the Prime Minister, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul noted that Takiyuddin immediately linked the text to Anwar’s use of the Arabic word waad (promise) in his budget speech. Johari stated that when looking at the conversation as a whole, the reference to hypocrisy clearly appeared to be directed at the Prime Minister.

RSN Rayer further questioned why Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong Yieng had allowed Takiyuddin to continue without intervening. Johari specified that the retraction could be made in the Dewan Rakyat or via a written explanation.

Anwar Ibrahim Criticizes Labeling Fellow Muslims as Hypocrites — Photo: Newswav

Anwar’s Response to the ‘Munafik’ Label

I just want to say that this is merely symptomatic of the real problem … those who profess Islam do not help or set a good example in terms of morals, personal conduct, moderation and tolerance.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Takiyuddin proposes mediation after refusing to retract term

Takiyuddin Hassan has refused to retract the term, opting instead to propose a mediation session between himself, RSN Rayer, and the Speaker. He submitted a letter to the Speaker’s office on Thursday, October 22, the same day the deadline for the retraction expired. Takiyuddin announced this proposal during a press conference following the Himpunan dan Munajat Penyatuan Ummah, an event also attended by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and deputy Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

The proposal for mediation became a secondary point of contention. Speaker Johari Abdul expressed disappointment that Takiyuddin went public with the request on October 24 before the Speaker had the opportunity to respond to the letter, which he only read on Friday, October 23. Johari stated that Takiyuddin should have allowed him to respond first, rather than putting him in a difficult position where he felt pressured to respond.

Following this refusal, RSN Rayer requested on October 26 that Takiyuddin be referred to Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee. The Speaker has since instructed Rayer to submit a formal written request, noting that the committee—composed of members from both sides of the political divide—will make the final decision on the matter. Johari clarified that he would only announce the committee’s decision and that the ruling would not be his own.

Speaker warns MPs against using sensitive religious language

Unfortunately, the Attorney General, who advises the government, has stated that the action taken is constitutional.

Takiyuddin Hassan

The Speaker has reminded MPs to exercise caution with sensitive religious language to avoid prolonged disputes that waste parliamentary time. He noted that terms like munafik might be understood by those with deep religious knowledge but could be frightening or misunderstood by non-Muslims or those without religious school backgrounds. Johari stated that if he, as a Muslim who did not attend a religious school, would feel ill if called a munafik, the term would be even more frightening for a non-Muslim.