Amid a polarised political landscape where the central focus is on race and religion, the government’s decision to withdraw its appeal against a court ruling has provided fresh fodder for its rivals.
The backpedalling on an appeal against a landmark High Court ruling which allowed a non-Muslim Sarawakian to use the word "Allah" comes ahead of the six state elections in which Perikatan Nasional is hoping to unleash a green wave similar to the one in last November’s national polls.
Since morning, a slew of articles criticising the government appeared on the PAS mouthpiece Harakah with the central theme being Putrajaya’s alleged failure to safeguard Muslim rights.
They are referring to Putrajaya's decision to withdraw an appeal via a notice of discontinuance, filed at the appellate court on April 18.
“The Madani government has displayed its cowardice again,” said PAS Youth deputy chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden.
He accused the government of being desperate to garner the support of non-Muslims in the upcoming polls.
However, he claimed that the latest move could ignite unrest in a multiracial nation which exists based on respect for the different faith.
“The government’s decision is bound to hurt the feelings of Muslims.
“The time has come for Muslims to realise that the Madani government is not serious in managing the different races and faiths as well as preserving the sanctity of Islam as the official religion of the federation,” he added.
‘Liberalisation’ agenda
For Kuala Krau PAS vice-chief Aireroshairi Roslan, the move is rooted in the “liberalisation” agenda of equal rights.
In an obvious reference to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, he asked: “Where is this driver planning to take Muslims who are the majority in this country?”
He also claimed that the other races are now emboldened to touch on fundamental issues related to Islam.
“Pakatan Harapan and BN do not deserve to be given the power to rule because of their failure to take care of Muslim affairs,” he added.
Expressing disappointment over the matter, PAS legal and human rights bureau (Luham) chairperson Wan Rohimi Wan Daud demanded answers for the government’s decision, which included if the Home Ministry had consulted the relevant stakeholders beforehand or if there was pressure from certain quarters to withdraw the appeal.
Describing the government as “weak”, he claimed that Anwar’s administration has failed to protect the aspirations of Muslims in Malaysia.
“... (to the point of) willing to forego the opportunity for the higher courts to evaluate the high court’s decision, therefore giving the impression that the sensitivities of Muslims are not important for the Madani government,” he added. - Mkini
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