DAP Youth is seeing red over PAS' racial argument in criticising the appointments of two Chinese politicians to helm the federal territories ministry.
In a statement, the party wing secretary Lim Chun Weng slammed PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and the Islamist party for trying to fan racial sentiment and create a polemic that could undermine the country's harmony.
"PAS’ action fanning racial sentiments in matters of national administration is not only regressive in nature, but also constitutes a desperate attempt to provoke unproductive polemics and undermine the harmony of the country’s political landscape," Lim (above) said.
His response came after Takiyuddin panned Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for appointing DAP's Hannah Yeoh as the new federal territories minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) Lo Su Fui as her deputy.
Takiyuddin also claimed that the appointments were not made based on merit or policy needs, but rather due to political pressure and horse-trading.
To this, Lim countered that the federal territories are a true reflection of Malaysia's multicultural society and described PAS’ use of a racial argument to question the appointments as discrimination.
"The claim that these appointments were due to political pressure or horse-trading is also a wild speculation that is aimed at undermining the credibility of the appointees.
"Yeoh and other leaders' service records should be assessed based on their achievements, integrity, and efficiency in implementing government policies.
"Evaluating a person’s capabilities solely through a racial lens is an insult to the democratic system and the mandate entrusted by the people," the youth leader added.
‘Quit dividing rakyat’
Lim also refuted PAS' accusation linking the appointments and DAP retaining the post of housing and local government minister through Nga Kor Ming as part of an agenda to sideline a certain racial community from urban development.
He regarded the statement as an "irresponsible fear-mongering tactic" by PAS, and reminded the rakyat that any government policy could only be implemented after going through the cabinet and a transparent debating process in Parliament.
Lim urged PAS to function as an opposition that serves as a constructive critic focused on providing checks and balances to the government.
"DAP Youth stresses that Malaysians yearn for leadership that focuses on economic recovery and social well-being, not leaders who are inclined to divide society.
"We must stop playing on racial sentiments," he stressed. - Mkini
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