A DAP MP has slammed PAS for its repeated attacks against Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, calling the Islamist party a “bully” and “ultra hypocrite” for its selective criticism.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had previously called PAS a “Parti Ajaran Sesat” in the past but the Islamist party had not reacted “emotionally” to the remark.
He also noted that many Malay ministers had attended Christmas celebrations in the past without any issues raised by PAS, let alone accusing them of being “extreme”.
“But when Nga organised a Christmas celebration and criticised PAS as being ‘deviant’, the entire PAS machinery was ordered to lodge police reports,” Lim said.
Recall that when Muhyiddin was deputy minister in 2013, he had labelled PAS as a political party promoting deviant teachings when responding to a remark made by then PAS spiritual leader Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat that the prayers of UMNO members were rewardless because their party had rejected Islamic principles.
As of yesterday (Jan 1), a total of 69 police reports have been lodged by members of the Islamist party’s youth wing, NGOs and other organisations against Nga, according to a statement PAS Youth had posted on its Facebook page.
The PAS wing also previously invited its counterparts in UMNO, PKR, and Amanah to join a rally it would be holding this Friday in protest against Nga as well as Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
“This is clear that PAS is an ultra-hypocritical and bullying party. Why does their standards vary depending on who is speaking or acting?” Lim further questioned.
“If PAS is truly serious about its stance on Christmas celebrations, it should also clarify if it intends to oppose celebrations for Deepavali, Chinese New Year as well as Kaamatan and Gawai festivals in Sabah and Sarawak that are organised by government agencies.
“If this is the case, they should boldly announce this stance before the 16th general election,” he added.
Lim went on to call for PAS leaders to understand and embrace the freedom of religion for non-Muslims that are enshrined in Articles 3 and 11 of the Federal Constitution, which he stressed was fundamental to the harmony of the country’s multicultural society.
“Lastly, I urge PAS to play a more inclusive role in uniting Malaysians regardless of race and religion. Focus your energy on efforts to advance the nation’s economic growth, not sow discords,” he said. – Jan 2, 2025
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