Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad regarding those performing the pilgrimage through the Prime Minister-1MDB Foundation Special Haj Programme as not attaining 'haji mabrur' (divinely accepted Haj), is seen as an act of political desperation to the extent of using religion.

Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said Dr Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years, should not have made such a statement as only Allah The Almighty could evaluate a person's religious practice as acceptable or not.

"It's not our task to evaluate...as humans, we just focus on the religious obligations...do not use this issue for personal interest," he said after a visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan Mergong, here, today.

Dr Mahathir had allegedly made the remark during a ceramah (public talk) at Taman Wira Mergong, here, recently that not attaining haji mabrur was purportedly because of the 'haram' (forbidden) Haj programme sponsorship money as it had been stolen by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Tun Najib Razak from 1MDB.- BERNAMA