PAS distances itself from leader's racial remarks on landmark promotion of Chinese lieutenant-general
Takiyuddin said the post was the personal opinion of the individual involved and 'entirely contrary' to PAS' policies and values. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (June 26): PAS today said it does not support a social media post by one of its leaders that questioned the appointment of Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng as a Lieutenant General in the Malaysian Armed Forces.
In a press statement, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the post was the personal opinion of the individual involved and 'entirely contrary' to PAS' policies and values.
'The appointment of Datuk Johnny Lim is a historic event that should be celebrated by all Malaysians, not questioned, much less belittled simply because of his ethnic background,' he said.
Takiyuddin said PAS has long-standing commitment to Malaysia's multiracial society and warned members against making divisive remarks.
'Racism or racial prejudice in any form has no place in PAS,' he added.
He also called on its members to adhere to its constitution and official decisions, stating that disciplinary action may be taken against those who violate its principles.
Takiyuddin also highlighted that the party had recently amended its constitution to open membership for all Malaysians regardless of race or religion, which he said reflects its support for national unity.
The post in question was made by Sungai Buloh PAS chief Zaharudin Muhammad, who speculated that Malaysia's 50th prime minister in 2058 could be a Chinese individual, framing the scenario as a possible outcome of Johnny's promotion.
The post has since been deleted.
Zaharudin, who is the son-in-law of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, came under fire from several quarters, including PKR youth chief Kamil Munim and DAP's Lim Guan Eng.
Johnny's promotion marked a historic milestone, as he became the first Malaysian Chinese officer to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general in the armed forces. — Malay Mail Johnny Lim Eng Seng PAS Takiyuddin Hassan Zaharudin Muhammad
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysiakini
33 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
S'gor PKR Youth urges cops to probe Hadi's son-in-law for sedition
A PKR Youth leader has urged the authorities to investigate Sungai Buloh PAS chief Zaharudin Muhammad for sedition over a Facebook post deemed racially charged and divisive. Klang PKR Youth chief Shahrul Adnan also called for the son-in-law of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. In his police report sighted by Malaysiakini, Shahrul described Zaharudin's post, which has since been deleted, as...
Malaysian Reserve
2 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Envoy: UK opens doors to more Malaysian students amid US policy shift
KUALA LUMPUR — The United Kingdom (UK) is widening its doors to Malaysian students by expanding its university footprint and tailoring academic opportunities to meet their evolving needs. British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma said the UK is ready to welcome more Malaysian students amid shifting global study trends, as the United States (US) tightens its visa policies. 'We want to have more Malaysian students in the UK. We want to have more UK universities here in Malaysia. 'We want to make sure that the educational links get stronger and stronger, but most importantly, that they respond to the needs of people here,' he told Bernama after appearing on Bernama TV's programme The Diplomatic Dispatch here on Thursday. Sharma said that the UK, known for its academic excellence and globally recognised qualifications, remains an attractive destination for higher education and is ready to accommodate students who may be reconsidering the US or other countries due to recent developments. 'We're very happy to welcome more Malaysian students if they choose to come because of what's happening in the US or elsewhere in the world,' he said. According to data from the UK Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for the 2023/24 academic year, a total of 12,760 Malaysian students were enrolled in UK higher education institutions, placing Malaysia among the top ten non-EU source countries. Recalling his recent discussion with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Sharma disclosed that they were exploring deeper collaboration and facilitating greater access for Malaysian students to UK institutions. 'We talked about how we can cooperate more on ensuring that Malaysian students are able to take advantage of the opportunities in the UK,' he said. MARA has temporarily suspended the placement of its sponsored students to the US this year following recent changes to student visa policies introduced by the US administration. Asyraf Wajdi said the agency is offering alternative placements in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China and local institutions to ensure students are not affected by the policy shift. The move follows recent directives by US President Donald Trump's administration to tighten international student visa procedures. — BERNAMA
Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Ramasamy at odds with Sivakumar, Thulsi's appt to DAP's CEC: They'll have no impact on Indians
I REALLY wonder how the appointment of V. Sivakumar, the former short-lived human resources minister along with Buntong (Perak) state assemblywoman M. Thulsi to the DAP's central executive committee (CEC) can boost Indian support for the party. I think DAP is finally experiencing the syndrome of closing the gates of the stables after the horses have bolted. Appointing the two Indian politicians will have no significant impact on the party in terms of getting the support of the Indians in the country. Indian support for DAP in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition reached its peak in the 2022 general elections. However, the support dropped in the state elections in 2023 and from then onwards, Indian support for both DAP and PKR declined firther. The recent by-elections provide a good indication of the waning support for the so-called multi-racial parties such as DAP and PKR. As these parties are focusing their attention on the Chinese and Malays respectively, the concept of multi-racialism has been rendered hollow and meaningless. The rise of nepotism in PKR and the appeasement politics of DAP leaders predicated on power, positions and perks have rendered both unattractive to Indians. Appointing Indian leaders without any support base among the grassroots Indians might not ingratiate the Chinese-dominated party to the rank-and-file Indians. It is well and good to argue from the comforts of distance about the heroic efforts of DAP to enlarge its Indian support base. The party has proven beyond reasonable doubt that it cares little for Indians and Malays. These ethnic groups are window dressing for the DAP to reveal its multiracial character. By the way, multi-racialism is dead and gone in DAP or PKR. Indians cannot be lured into this political trap in the future. Indians in the country want both [parties to lead them on the basis of dignity and pride. This is essentially what the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) intends to do. – June 26, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
