JOHOR BAHRU – I can stand to be attacked, but I draw the line at others inciting hate using racial and religious sentiments, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The unity government will not hesitate to take stern action against those who play up such sentiments to sow division in the country, as his administration will defend the rights of all Malaysians, not just the Malays, he added.
“I don’t agree with using the Sedition Act against those who criticise the prime minister. But if certain quarters drag the Selangor sultan, Kedah sultan, and Johor sultan into this, I will not interfere when the authorities take action against them.
“Let the police, Attorney-General’s Chambers, and judiciary do their work.
“It’s easy to denigrate others, hiding behind robes and turbans. I’m fine to be criticised, but action will be taken if it concerns racial and religious sentiments,” he said during a ceramah event in Pulai here last night.
“Inciting sentiments such as Malays hating the Chinese and accusing us of being infidels… I will not compromise with that kind of talk. Enough; we must reject such a narrow understanding of race and religion.”
On the other hand, he said the unity government is working to provide the best service to the people as the parties involved, such as Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, are learning from their mistakes.
“That’s why the corrupt are afraid. They gathered as a team to stop us, dreaming daily of taking over the government. June, July, August, they did not take over the government.
“They can continue dreaming while we focus on saving the country and the people.”
He added that he is confident that Pulai voters will make the wise choice of backing PH candidate Suhaizan Kaiat.
“The Johor people are not stupid. Their mandate is not for us to line our pockets. The Jana Wibawa project (initiated by former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) that was meant to help Malay businesses did not benefit them.”
Earlier, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin described voting for the PH candidate for Pulai, Suhaizan Kayat, as a religious sin, claiming it is a “fatwa”.
The by-elections for the Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat are being held following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub – who was domestic trade and cost of living minister – on July 23.
The Election Commission has set for both by-elections to be held simultaneously with early voting tomorrow, followed by polling day on September 9. – September 4, 2023