PROGRESSIVE Democratic Party (DPP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has urged former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to learn from the fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who remained silent and continued to pray for the well-being of the nation after retiring.
Speaking at a unity dinner with the Chinese community in Taman Bukit Indah in Johor Bahru last night (Sept 4), Tiong, who is also the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister said Mahathir should stop confusing the public, especially when it comes to issues related to race, religion and the royal institution (3R).
“I urge Dr Mahathir to learn from Abdullah. When he retired, he remained silent. To this day, he remains silent and does not create a fuss. On the contrary, he prays for our country. Why can’t Dr Mahathir stay silent?” the Bintulu MP asked.
Also present were the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu who is also the Amanah president, as well as the Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Pulai parliamentary seat, Suhaizan Kayat.
Meanwhile, Tiong also pointed out that Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin should not use punitive sentiments that can lead to misunderstandings as Malaysia comprises various ethnicities and religions.
“Now we see and hear all sort of stories from PAS. PAS acts as if there is only one race, one religion in Malaysia,” Tiong was reported as saying.
“Perhaps Muhyiddin forgets that Malaysia consists of various ethnicities and religions; we must respect one another. Don’t put us against each other and incite hate just for the sake of getting votes.”
During a PN ceramah in Kempas on Saturday (Sept 2) night, Muhyiddin had reportedly issued the “fatwa”, proclaiming that it was “haram” to vote for Suhaizan.
The Bersatu president’s remarks had since drawn criticism from both PH and BN leaders questioning his right to issue such a religious edict. – Sept 5, 2023
Main pic credit: Bernama
