PETALING JAYA: PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (pic) has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to curb the “poisonous narrative” peddled by DAP.
This narrative has brought DAP's true intentions into question, Takiyuddin added in reference to recent statements by party veterans Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang and Tan Kok Wai.
Lim had said last month that the Federal Constitution does not prevent a non-Malay from being prime minister while Cheras MP Tan said on Sunday (Dec 18) that local government elections should be revived.
“PAS is of the view that the motives of their statements (is) to strengthen DAP’s position and power by abandoning the core values that bound all quarters to sane, moderate and reasonable agendas and political culture,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 19).
ALSO READ: Kit Siang's statement on non-Malay PM can harm racial harmony, claims Takiyuddin
“This confirms the worries of several parties, especially Malays, on DAP’s real intentions and whether or not it is genuine in upholding the interests of the country or is solely prioritising its own interests and parochialism,” he added.
He also reminded Tan that the previous government’s decision to abolish local council elections decades ago, as clearly spelt out in the Local Government Act 1976, aimed to prevent local governments from being controlled by a single ethnic group to prevent racial tensions and disharmony.
Takiyuddin said PAS views these developments seriously, especially those involving veteran DAP leaders.
He said the Islamist party believes this can create tension and disharmony in the community.
ALSO READ: Umno veterans say 'no' to calls to reintroduce local elections in KL
“These (matters) were raised by senior politicians from a party that is a component of the ruling government and ... (have) created confusion and doubts over the policies and direction of the government.
"Therefore, confidence towards the party’s leadership will deteriorate,” he added.
He said Tan should be more cognisant of and sensitive towards the unity government’s position and policies.
Lim had made controversial comments on the possibility of a non-Malay being prime minister during a meeting with Malaysian students in Manchester, England, last month.
Tan reportedly made the remarks on local elections at the Kuala Lumpur DAP convention on Sunday.
