PAS, Umno paint May 9 as disastrous for Malay Muslims

CAMERON POLLS | Last night marked the first time PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan took the stage in a joint ceramah.

Addressing PAS stronghold Felda Sungai Koyan, where BN also has a strong following, they described the watershed 14th general election where BN lost power as a tragedy for Malay Muslims.

Hadi, in particular, called it a “slap” in the face of Muslims.

“The last election was a scary slap in the face for Muslims in Malaysia. It is undeniable that Muslims are the biggest majority in the country and they are the backbone to Malaysian politics.

“But they chose a government which is dominated by non-Muslims, this is very unfortunate for them,” he said at the “Pentas Perdana” event.

Meanwhile, Mohamad, who is assuming the duties of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, claimed that the Malay race and Islam were being “belittled” under the Pakatan Harapan administration.

“After May 9, the political climate of the country changed [...] our race has been made fun of and our religion has been belittled.

“So much so that when reading prayers, we must now read the prayers of five religions because they say this is to make all religions the same! This is something regrettable because how can other religions be seen as the same as Islam?” he claimed.

The Umno man further alleged that the Harapan government intended to close tahfiz(religious schools).

“All sorts of things are happening, including efforts to close tahfiz because (they claim) that is where elements that can shatter the society and divide the different races stem.

“But they don’t ask why the number of sekolah jenis kebangsaan (special-type schools) are being increased? That is where hatred towards the Malays is instilled,” Mohamad claimed.

'DAP the enemy, Mahathir its puppet'

As expected, they took turns to explain to the audience why DAP could not be trusted.

Harapan’s candidate for the Cameron Highlands by-election is DAP’s M Manogaran while BN fielded Orang Asli former police officer Ramli Mohd Nor.

Mohamad characterised the Harapan component party as the “enemy”.

“Remember that DAP is our enemy.

“DAP does not have any compassion for Malays and Muslims because it is a splinter party from a party that was previously kicked out of the country (PAP).

“It (DAP) wants the country to adopt equality for all religions, languages and citizens. No special rights for anyone despite how it (Malay privileges) is written our Federal Constitution,” he charged.

Even Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Mohamad said, was a mere wayang kulit puppet controlled by DAP.

“We have a PM but it is as if our PM has become a wayang kulit while the tukang karut (puppet master) is DAP.

“[...] What to do? Our PM comes from a party which is not strong. He (Mahathir) has even admitted that he was chosen by DAP,” he said.

No compassion for Muslims

Similarly, Hadi said DAP was a party which did not follow the Islamic concept of dosa dan pahala (sin and reward) and thus could not be trusted by Muslims.

“The problem is dosa dan pahala is not found in DAP and in parties which are not Muslim. Therefore, we must choose parties which have this trait.

“Malay Muslims must choose a representative who is able to represent Islam,” said the Marang MP.

Hadi said thus Muslims must unite in backing Ramli, who is a Muslim.

Both top leaders also chided Harapan for failing to fulfil its election promises.

At least 1,000 people, many dressed in green and wearing skull caps, attended the event.

It was held at an open area in the village right across the road from the local mosque and as there were no chairs set up, most sat on the tarred road.

PAS is sitting out of this by-election and is campaigning for BN. Last night marked its biggest show of solidarity for the latter thus far. 

 - Mkini