WHAT a delightful twist in PAS’s track record of scapegoating the local Chinese community.
After spending decades demonising “the Chinese threat” at every ceramah possible, PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang recently met with China’s ambassador Ouyang Yujing to “foster harmony.”
From high-profile rallies laced with racist undertones to PAS leaders throwing tantrums over the Guan Gong festival flags in Teluk Intan recently, the party has never been shy about turning local Chinese into the national bogeyman.
Malay sovereignty was allegedly threatened by, among other things, Chinese nationals waving their own country’s flags during a cultural festival. At one point, it seemed that a bright red China flag was the ultimate sign of doom for Malay-Muslim rights.
And yet, all it took to “foster harmony” was a cordial meeting at the China embassy. Suddenly, Hadi was all smiles, thanking the ambassador for his thoughtful understanding of Malay culture.
The same party that branded local Chinese a cultural menace was now gushing about trade prospects and cultural exchanges in Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis – all PAS-held states.
What’s especially comedic is that PAS leaders had only recently condemned China’s alleged encroachment on our sovereignty: first, Chinese flags in cultural processions, then the Chinese navy’s visit in Penang.
Ill treatment of Muslims in China
One would assume, then, that a meeting with the very people they’d been lambasting would be an uncomfortable affair. But apparently, all is forgiven once smiles and photo ops are involved – particularly if it means forging alliances that might yield more political mileage.
And let’s not forget the elephant in the room: China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.
If PAS is truly the righteous defender of Muslim rights worldwide, one might expect their moral compass to spin out of control when it comes to the detention camps, forced assimilation programmes and surveillance that the Uyghurs endure.
Where was the fiery condemnation when actual Muslims were suffering under Beijing’s iron fist?
No, no, it’s much easier to turn local Chinese Malaysians into punching bags. That strategy has worked wonders in domestic politics for years. But then again, political interests must always come first.
But when it’s time to rile up the grassroots, wave the “Chinese threat” banner. When it’s time to score points on the international stage, bring out the polite smiles and talk about mutual respect in front of the cameras.
So, here we are, witnessing Hadi’s latest about-face: from demonising a community at home to openly embracing the same community’s government abroad.
If that’s not the very definition of hypocrisy in motion, I’m not sure what is. Let’s see how quickly this newfound “harmony” is discarded the next time a photo of a Chinese naval cadet sets off the PAS alarm bells.
After all, consistency has never been the party’s strong suit – and the Uyghurs sure aren’t holding their breath. – Dec 17, 2204
Images credit: China Embassy in Malaysia/Facebook
