FOR many non muslims in Malaysia, the political party PAS is the ultimate bogeyman used by politicians to scare voters to vote for them.
Anyone in Malaysia is well familiar with the term, a vote for MCA is a vote for PAS. The narrative changes according to the time, or more appropriately, to political convenience.
Non muslim Malaysians are filled with images of hudud law, alcohol ban and women in burqas if PAS ever came into power. But is reality ever so simple?
Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, Malaysian politician and a member of the MCA, perhaps best sums up the situation in his lengthy post on Facebook with the statement, “PAS is here to stay. Befriend or shun them. Manage them.”
According to him, PAS is not our only political concern. The real issue is whether any government regardless of its name or ideology upholds the constitutional rights and legitimate interests of all Malaysians.
“Many minority communities placed their hopes in parties such as PKR and DAP, believing that promises of reform, justice, and equality would translate into stronger protection for their rights. Instead, many now feel disappointed,” said Ti.
Long-standing Hindu temples that have existed for decades continue to face uncertainty because of land title issues, even though many were established under historical circumstances that governments have long acknowledged.
At the same time, restrictions affecting activities such as pig farming have reinforced the perception among some minorities that their traditional livelihoods and practices receive diminishing accommodation.
“Ironically, many now ask whether, in practice, some of these longstanding rights and accommodations were more secure during previous administrations, including those led by UMNO or even in states governed by PAS,” said Ti.
According to him, this is not about defending one political party over another. It is about holding every government to the same standard. A truly democratic and just government should protect minority rights consistently, not merely speak of tolerance.
His post has since attracted a good deal of attention on the cyberspace, gaining about 100 comments and counting. Netizens, however, are divided over Ti’s statement.
“And this my friend is called the art of reframing,” said netizen Hank Khoo while Sebastian Chong believed PAS will accept anyone who reverts to Islam.
Then there was Tay Soon Poh pointing out that PAS caters to the unmet aspirations of the Malays in many constituencies.
However, Abi Semeling was sceptical.
Another netizen felt that the word, “managed” was inappropriate where MCA was concerned.
Shawn Woo made a lengthy statement about this too:
“Finally MCA opens up about their love for Parti Ajaran Sesat. After a long write-up, the conclusion is MCA dogs want positions in the government, power and wealth,” lamented Kenny Oh.
Whether one agrees with Ti or not, his remarks have once again thrust an uncomfortable question into the spotlight. In Malaysia’s ever-shifting political landscape, perhaps the bigger challenge is no longer deciding who to fear, but determining how every party, regardless of ideology, is held accountable to the Federal Constitution and to all Malaysians.
After all, governments may change, but the expectations of fairness, equality and good governance should not.—July 20, 2026
Main image: KOSMO
