Pahang MB slams Sanusi's 'apek in shorts teaching Islam' remark

PELANGAI BY-ELECTION | Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail has fired a salvo at the opposition for “spreading illogical lies” to win over Malay voters.

Urging voters in Pelangai not to fall for such claims, he cited how Perikatan Nasional’s election director Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had said that an "apek seluar pendek" (Chinese man clad in shorts) would teach Islam in mosques if BN and Pakatan Harapan continue to lead.

"This is clearly a lie. It is ridiculous and there is no logic,” he said at the Bentong Fruits Carnival held at Dataran Pelangai.

"But why did he say all this? Because he wants to create the sentiment or perception that because Umno is friendly with the Chinese, one day an 'apek' will be allowed to recite the khutbah (sermon)," he added.

Wan Rosdy (above) said PN leaders are bankrupt of issues since the state government has been performing well and have to resort to such falsehoods in their campaign.

"I am worried because, during the recent general election, they were successful in creating such perceptions and sentiments.

"They are doing this because they are scared to talk about performance because we have performed well in Pahang. So, they are out of issues.

"So, now they are trying to spark fear among the people so that they won't support BN and the unity government," he added.

Sanusi’s insinuation

During several PN ceramah in Pelangai, Sanusi, who is also Kedah menteri besar, insinuated that Islam has come under threat after Harapan cooperated with BN to form the federal government and in several states.

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor

Among the issues he raised was the controversy surrounding DAP lawmaker Howard Lee, who was accused of misinterpreting a Quranic verse.

Sanusi, who is known for making crude remarks, accused the "uncircumcised Lee" of insulting Islam because he was not a Muslim and was unfit to interpret Quranic verses.

Previously, the PAS leader, who led PN to a landslide win in Kedah, was charged under the Sedition Act over his remarks that were deemed as insulting to the rulers when campaigning in the state elections.

The Oct 7 Pelangai by-election will be a three-cornered fight between BN candidate Amizar Abu Adam, Kasim Samat (PN) and former Umno member Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli, who is contesting as an independent.

The state seat fell vacant after Umno’s Johari Harun died in a plane crash last month. - Mkini