logo
PAS' call to vote on racial, religious lines dangerous: S'pore minister

PAS' call to vote on racial, religious lines dangerous: S'pore minister

Malaysiakini26-04-2025

PAS' call for Singaporeans to vote along racial and religious lines is dangerous, the country's Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Zaqy Mohamad said.
He said that the political scene in Singapore is unlike Malaysia's, where there are parties representing different faiths or races.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fielding non-Muslims could help PAS woo non-Malays, says analyst
Fielding non-Muslims could help PAS woo non-Malays, says analyst

Free Malaysia Today

time2 hours ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Fielding non-Muslims could help PAS woo non-Malays, says analyst

An analyst said dissatisfaction among non-Malays towards Pakatan Harapan could give PAS an opening, but only if the Islamic party addresses deeper, structural issues. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Analysts have proposed two key strategies for PAS to win over non-Malay voters, namely fielding non-Muslim candidates in safe seats and highlighting the party's achievements in its administration of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis – also known as the SG4 states. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said PAS must move away from political rhetoric if it hoped to shift perceptions among non-Malay voters. 'So far, PAS has yet to demonstrate that it is a better option than DAP or PKR, as there's little to be proud of in its administration of the SG4 states. 'PAS must tone down its extreme rhetoric and focus on showcasing its ability to govern by making the SG4 a better model than the states governed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) or Barisan Nasional. That's what it needs to do now,' he told FMT. PAS vice-president Amar Nik Abdullah previously said that the party was targeting non-Malay voters who were disillusioned with the government ahead of the 16th general election, acknowledging however PAS's struggle to win over that segment. He said PAS faced the challenge of finding more convincing ways to gain the trust of non-Malay voters while preserving its clean image and integrity to maintain its support among the youth. Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said dissatisfaction among non-Malays towards PH could give PAS an opening, but only if the Islamic party could address deeper, structural issues. 'These include concerns about religious freedom and racial harmony, and rejecting theocratic narratives. Without such changes, discontent with PH will only be temporary, as non-Malay voters still find it difficult to accept Perikatan Nasional (PN). 'PAS also needs to overcome the longstanding distrust, including the fact that it once branded non-Muslims as infidels (kafir) – something that still lingers in the memory of many non-Malays.' PAS must be sincere in fielding non-Muslim candidates Awang Azman added that dissatisfaction with PH did not automatically mean that the non-Malays were ready to support PAS. 'PAS must be bold and sincere in placing non-Muslim candidates in winnable seats – just as Umno does with MIC and MCA – as a genuine sign of cooperation with non-Muslims. This shouldn't just be rhetoric or a symbolic gesture,' he said. Rusdi Omar of Universiti Utara Malaysia said that to attract non-Malay support, PAS must move away from an overemphasis on religious, racial, and royal sentiments, and adopt a more moderate approach. Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara said PAS and PN would need to work harder than PKR, DAP, and Amanah did when they were in the opposition by championing mature politics free from racial elements.

Malay unity a must for broader national consensus, says Bersatu man
Malay unity a must for broader national consensus, says Bersatu man

Free Malaysia Today

time2 hours ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Malay unity a must for broader national consensus, says Bersatu man

The 'Malay umbrella' initiative was launched by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, with support from leaders of Bersatu and PAS. PETALING JAYA : A Bersatu leader has defended the party's support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposed 'Malay umbrella', denying claims that it contradicts its shift towards a more moderate and centrist political position. Bersatu Supreme Council member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal argued that supporting the latest initiative to unite the Malays complemented, rather than contradicted, the party's efforts to reach out to non-Malays. The Machang MP said the two are not mutually exclusive but key building blocks in establishing long-lasting multiracial cooperation. 'In fact, Malay unity is a prerequisite for building a broader national consensus,' he told FMT. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal. Wan Fayhsal rejected suggestions that Perikatan Nasional was veering towards far-right or chauvinistic politics, saying its approach was anchored in the higher objectives of Islam, namely to preserve harmony and peace among all races. 'We're not launching a far-right or ultra-nationalist movement. We simply want Malays to be aware of long-term issues that will affect them if we remain disunited,' he said. Any political party aspiring to govern the country must have the support of the Malay electorate, whose electoral participation and political awareness are still lacking, he added. PN's main components of PAS and Bersatu have already obtained a big chunk of Malay support, but Wan Fayhsal said it was insufficient and could be improved. 'We have to build enough consensus among the Malays first, among the scholars, among the teachers, among the kampung folks, before reaching the next step,' he said, adding that this was the approach even before Malaya's independence. On Wednesday, Mahathir launched his new Malay unity 'umbrella'' with the backing of PAS and Bersatu; it is aimed at restoring the community's political power and protecting them from political and economic decline. However, the initiative's theme appeared to contradict Bersatu's shift towards more moderate and centrist politics, when leaders such as deputy president Hamzah Zainudin had recently mooted a 'new national consensus' that went beyond one race or religion. Political analyst Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Bersatu's decision to back the 'Malay umbrella' would make people question the party's sincerity about bringing national reconciliation. Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia described it as typical political doublespeak, where politicians use almost contradictory tones and themes when addressing different audiences. However, Wan Fayhsal said he believed that Mahathir's alliance was a sincere and necessary step towards political stability. He said the current government was on an unstable footing. 'Like it or not, the current government is in very bad shape because (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) has failed to muster Malay support until today. So until and unless the Malays warm up to the government, the country will not be politically stable,' said Wan Fayhsal, a former deputy national unity minister. Wan Fayhsal said the 'Malay umbrella' could also generate political interest and awareness among young Malays, adding that this was a key strategy for PN as it prepares for the next general election.

'99% Muslim Klang's village folks have every right to fume over crematorium built close to mosque'
'99% Muslim Klang's village folks have every right to fume over crematorium built close to mosque'

Focus Malaysia

time20 hours ago

  • Focus Malaysia

'99% Muslim Klang's village folks have every right to fume over crematorium built close to mosque'

IN a rare case, a non-Muslim Klang native has stood up in defence of Kampung Raja Uda villagers who are reportedly up in arms over the construction of a four-storey columbarium adjacent to a mosque in their vicinity. Facebooker Emmanuel Joseph who felt annoyed with racial comments contended that 'people who don't live here may not understand' the actual situation on the ground. 'Until six months ago, I lived in this area, just two streets away from this very mosque. The villager's concerns are not unfounded for the village is 99% Muslim,' observed the self-proclaimed 'Chindian Klang native who is moderately fluent in sarcasm and irony' in a Facebook post. 'The nearest non-Muslim house is just streets away left and right … and they already have two large Chinese temples at the end of the adjacent street. This area is opposite Pandamaran which itself has like a few dozen temples including many large ones. 'So why not put the crematorium or columbarium or whatever there (in Kampung Raja Uda)?' Emmanuel was commenting on a recent Bernama report that the village folks were even contemplating to submit a protest memorandum to Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on the matter, As it is, most of the 5,000 residents in the village oppose the construction of the columbarium on a one-hectare plot of private land given the project had not been discussed with the residents who only became aware of it two weeks ago. 'Many residents are worried that the village area may become polluted by ashes generated from the cremation process, particularly for homes situated less than 10 metres from the site,' village committee chairman Azhar Ibrahim told reporters after participating in a peaceful protest in Port Klang recently. Delving further, Emmanuel described Kampung Raja Uda as 'relatively tolerant despite the strong PAS presence there'. 'There's even a couple of Hindu shrines just around the nearby Muslim cemetery, co-existing peacefully,' observed the University of London law graduate. 'This particular mosque is newly renovated and a work 25 years in the making.' Hoping that non-Muslims 'don't make it out to be case of intolerant villagers when it really isn't', Enmanuel added: If I were still staying there, I wouldn't agree to a burial ground of any sort on this street either. The house on the left of the mosque is Hindu and prayers are still done there harmoniously. The house opposite that one is a popular businessman who holds parties now and then with no problems. This mosque is very popular and active in social work, etc and is frequently packed with parking being already tight there. The entire area around the mosque are hang-outs and tomyam stalls where Malay youth hang out. The end of the street houses a pasar malam that mainly serves a Muslim clientele but they happily host Chinese vegetable sellers and yoyo ice and toys traders, among others.' – June 9, 2025 Main image credit: Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store