KUALA LUMPUR – PAS has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to keep DAP leaders in check, cautioning that the “toxic narratives” played up by the latter could sow disharmony among the people.
This came following recent statements made by DAP party leaders that the local council election should be reinstated and brought up the possibility of a non-Malay leader becoming prime minister.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said that the political narrative introduced by DAP veterans is unwarranted and holds the potential to create tension among Malaysians. He said it also raises suspicions regarding the government’s policies and direction.
The Kota Bharu MP said that PAS views DAP’s latest political narrative seriously, as those who forget the country’s history will most likely repeat it.
Kuala Lumpur DAP chairman and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai recently demanded that the government reinstate local elections, starting in Kuala Lumpur.
“As a former member of the Pakatan Harapan government administration, Tan should be more aware and sensitive to the current government’s position and policies.
“Unless his statement is a charade orchestrated by DAP, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming should play a crucial role,” he said in a statement today.
DAP adviser Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang also recently came under fire when he spoke about a non-Malay prime minister in Manchester, England. Police have summoned him over the matter.
Last Sunday, Tan suggested restoring the local council election, starting with Kuala Lumpur, to give locals a democratic say in how the capital city is operated.
Takiyuddin said using elaborate language and visionary ideas, the DAP leaders have illustrated their concept of a distinguished, multicultural country. However, Tan’s demand contradicts Lim’s rejection of a single-ethnic political image, which is at the core of the non-Malay prime minister’s dream.
“Both Tan and Lim’s statements, which aim to strengthen DAP’s position and control over the direction and course of the country, have ignored the core aspects that bound everyone to a more rational, moderate, and reasonable political agenda and culture.
“With DAP possessing almost absolute dominance of the parliamentary seats in Kuala Lumpur, won’t the local government election also only reveal a single ethnic political image in terms of the representatives who will be elected later on?” he asked.
He said this also confirms the concerns of many, especially Malays, about DAP’s true intentions and whether it is sincere in upholding national interests or prioritising its ideology and parochialism.
Takiyuddin also noted that the decision to abolish nationwide local government over 50 years ago, as stated in the Local Government Act 1976, was made to prevent dominance by one ethnic group and potential racial tension and disharmony in society.
It is reported that the last time Malaysia held a local council election was in 1963. The election, which was supposed to be held the following year, was suspended. – December 19, 2023