PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s latest broadside against DAP in his “Minda Presiden” (president’s mind) column has drawn a sharp rebuke from the party’s Malay leaders, who accused him of sowing hatred and questioned why PAS had worked with DAP in the past.
In a joint statement, the DAP quartet also concluded that Hadi (above) does not produce scholarly articles, but instead conjures “weapons” that exploit Islam for his political interests.
“As we approach the 69th National Day celebrations, it is deeply regrettable if a political leader chooses language that could divide the people.
“What we should defend is a Malaysia that upholds the Constitution, respects Islam as the religion of the Federation, safeguards the rights of all citizens and builds unity in diversity, not a politics of fear and division,” they said.
The joint statement was issued by DAP vice-chairperson and Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman, Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid and Senator Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali.
The leaders emphasised that DAP has always upheld the Federal Constitution, including Islam’s position as the religion of the Federation, the special position of Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak, Malay as the national language, and the position of the Malay rulers.
“DAP also respects the principles of parliamentary democracy, freedom of religion, the legitimate interests of all communities, as well as the right of citizens to speak, learn and teach in their mother tongues.
“All these principles exist within the framework of the Federal Constitution and form the foundation of Malaysia as a plural society,” they added.
The four pointed out that DAP, now 60 years old, had participated in elections and operated lawfully within the framework of the Constitution and the country’s laws, whether as the opposition or as part of the government.
Referring to the “Malaysia for Malaysians” slogan, which Hadi often raises, the leaders said it is rooted in the principle of equality enshrined in Article 8, without in any way rejecting or questioning other provisions of the Constitution, including Article 153.
Article 8 establishes the constitutional guarantee of equality. Article 8(1) provides that "all persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law."
Article 8(2) specifies that "there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the grounds of religion, race, descent, place of birth, or gender in any law or in the appointment to office or employment under a public authority."
Meanwhile, Article 153 of the Constitution provides that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is to safeguard the “special position” of the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak. He is also to safeguard the legitimate interests of other communities.
DAP-PAS ties in the past
The DAP quartet also demanded an explanation from Hadi as to why the same position was never an obstacle when PAS and DAP worked together under Pakatan Rakyat, including contesting several elections together.
Stressing that Hadi’s attacks on DAP should not be used to obscure PAS’ political history, they said political differences should not be translated into accusations that those outside PAS are un-Islamic, unpatriotic or disrespectful of the Constitution.
“Malaysian politics should move forward through arguments and policies, not by sowing fear of other races and religions,” they added.
The four also reminded Hadi of his “amanat” (mandate) delivered in 1981, which has long been the subject of debate because of its impact on social divisions and the culture of “PAS declaring others infidels”.
Yesterday, DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok expressed sadness after Hadi accused her party of glorifying the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and claimed that the proposed Urban Renewal Act was a strategy to drive out poor Malays.
“I think, lately, he’s been making a lot of racist and unfounded statements, including that DAP glorifies CPM,” she told Free Malaysia Today.
“We’re the Democratic Action Party; why would we glorify a party that isn’t of assistance (to us) at all?
“I don’t know what his agenda is, or if these statements will help PAS get more votes in the coming general election, but such statements will only divide Malaysia further and will be met with more resistance,” she added. - Mkini
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