PAS distances itself from Hadi's son-in-law's racist post, warns of action
The party stressed that the remarks on Facebook, made by Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharuddin Muhammad, who is also the son-in-law of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, do not represent its official position.
In a statement last night...
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Free Malaysia Today
31 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Akmal's fiery rhetoric will backfire on BN, says Ti
Ti Lian Ker said Dr Akmal Saleh's tactics in playing on the Malay supremacy theme are 'textbook Umno' but no longer as effective as before. PETALING JAYA : The fiery rhetoric and tactics of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh in the national flag controversy could end up killing Barisan Nasional and damaging Pakatan Harapan, says a former MCA vice-president. Ti Lian Ker said Akmal's theatrics would not win more Malay votes for Umno, but instead would alienate BN's traditional Chinese and Indian supporters. 'If Umno does nothing or continues to back Akmal, the damage will not stop at MCA or MIC. Umno will effectively kill BN and will also damage Pakatan Harapan if they are seen to be together. This is why DAP is attempting to dissociate itself from Akmal's theatrics,' he said. He said Akmal's tactics were 'textbook Umno', especially in the post-Tunku Abdul Rahman era. The best way for Umno members to make themselves relevant, especially in communal politics, had been to use the non-Malays as a 'punching bag', a tactic that made for great optics in the past when there was more reliance on Umno. Akmal's latest antics, such as condescendingly describing a hardware shop owner as an 'apek', played right into the Malay supremacy narrative, a strategy adopted by past Umno leaders. However, such tactics may backfire now, especially with a more progressive and well-informed crowd. Voters these days were more sophisticated and would look past such theatrics, apart from being jaded by such stunts. 'Demonising the Chinese as the bogeyman or making the community the punching bag is no longer as effective as before,' the former deputy unity minister told FMT. Ti said such tactics are also counterproductive, having proven to be detrimental to Barisan Nasional in failing to draw the targeted voters and chasing away the coalition's traditional supporters. He said Akmal's theatrics would not win them more Malay votes, but instead would alienate BN's traditional Chinese and Indian supporters. 'As it is, the Chinese and Indian voters backing MCA and MIC are frustrated with Umno for seemingly giving Akmal carte blanche,' he said, referring to Akmal's party colleagues like Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi, defending his actions. Ti, who recently told Malaysiakini that Akmal's PAS counterparts seemed more rational in their response to the flag blunder, said it would be impossible for BN components to undo the damage if Umno fails to rein in Akmal. He said there were already rumblings on the ground about voting for PAS in protest against the unity government in which BN and PH are partners. He claimed there had been previous talk about boycotting the elections altogether. Such sentiment was unprecedented, he said. Ti said it was time for BN to revert to the inclusive and multicultural politics of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the country's first prime minister.
Free Malaysia Today
31 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Urimai ‘ready to help' opposition garner non-Malay support
Urimai president P Ramasamy said the party can get Indian votes in the urban areas as well. PETALING JAYA : Urimai is ready to help the opposition bloc to garner non-Malay support in urban and suburban areas, says its president P Ramasamy. Ramasamy said Urimai has no difficulty in working with other opposition parties, despite not being part of Perikatan Nasional (PN). 'Urimai can get Indian votes in the urban areas as well,' he told FMT. His comments were made following a call by Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir for Urimai and the other 'small parties' to attract non-Malay support to the opposition bloc, while PN seeks Malay votes. Mukhriz hinted that the goal was to split the non-Malay vote, allowing Malay voters to be the kingmakers, and also to counter any stigma surrounding PAS among non-Malays. He said PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin had invited the smaller parties to form a loose coalition that will focus on 50 to 60 seats in the urban and suburban areas.
Malaysiakini
2 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
PM gives warning after damage done
Good morning. Here's what you should know today. Key Highlights PM gives warning after damage done MIC, MCA warming up to PN PM gives warning after damage done Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave a "warning" on Friday for authorities to take "strong action" against those who incite hatred in the country. Though he shied away from naming names, he is most likely referring to Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh - who has been fanning racial sentiments over the two upside down Jalur Gemilang gaffes. But just like in the previous rows over the KK Mart 'Allah' socks, Teresa Kok's remarks about halal certification, and guidelines for Muslims at interfaith events, Anwar is only speaking up after the damage is done. The prime minister and his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had ample time to put their foot down and rebuke Akmal or call for calm. But instead, Anwar's warning came a day after Akmal, Umno Youth, and Bersatu Youth staged a rally in Penang that forced a whole row of shops to close. Akmal has been called up by police for investigations, but don't hold your breath. The Umno Youth chief was also probed last year for sedition in the KK Mart socks row, but no charges were ever filed. HIGHLIGHTS MIC, MCA warming up to PN While Akmal is busy scaring away non-Malays from supporting the government, BN's non-Malay components are also toying with the exit. MIC is engaging in informal talks with Perikatan Nasional over its future. Meanwhile, former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker - who has been antagonising the party leadership to quit BN - also had some kind words for PN-component PAS. He said that compared to Akmal, the Islamist party appeared to be more rational and composed in their words and deeds. This is, of course, ignoring all previous instances where PAS has fanned racial and religious sentiments against non-Malays and non-Muslims, of which there are too many to list. HIGHLIGHTS Views that matter In case you missed it Other news that matter
