PAS leaders must stop racist fear-mongering

Malaysiakini

26-06-2025

YOURSAY | 'They cry about Malay rights but sabotage national pride when non-Malays succeed.'
Hadi's son-in-law paints racist dystopia on news of first Chinese lieutenant general
P Dev Anand Pillai: Well, Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharuddin Muhammad is speaking his mind. It is a matter for the Malays in power to deal with.
The liberal and progressive groups, the conservative and religiously inclined group and the radical ultra-Malays; they would have to deal with probabilities like this.
The Malays of yesteryears had no issues with non-Malays being promoted to certain designations in the civil services and the armed forces.
If we take a stroll down memory lane and visit our nation's archives, we can see who was the first rear admiral of the navy when it was formed after the British military administration left the country in 1957.
It was none other than K Thanabalasingam.
Before Sulaiman Sujak, an air vice chief marshal, took over the Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1968, it was Alexander Johnstone who was in charge as air commodore.
Therefore, our history shows what kind of people we were when the country was first formed and to what kind of people we have become after 68 years of independence.
The non-Malays have no issues as to who is in charge of the nation's armed forces. We know we don't have much of a say any more because of the lack of participation.
But as long as there is still an opportunity and room for a reset, perhaps we may consider it as service to the nation, but for that to happen, it will take some serious mindset changes, which one believes we are not in a state to do so today.
But one always believes in hope.
JWKK: I greatly appreciate DAP lawmaker Syahredzan Johan slamming Zaharuddin for not knowing the history and diversity that is Malaysia.
I sensed, however, that Syahredzan was pulling his punches.
Certainly, there must be room for diplomacy in a democracy, something Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, shamelessly, knows nothing about.
However, sometimes the diplomatic approach sorely misses the point. Is it not true that Zaharuddin used his know-nothing-about-Malaysia nonsense for only one reason: his bigotry?
He is no different from his father-in-law, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.
Since we are supposed to be living in this age of no incendiary 3R (race, religion and royalty) remarks, does Zaharuddin's racist views not violate that rule?
Shouldn't the police arrest Zaharuddin?
On the other hand, they had no reason and still went ahead and arrested Sabah protesters for sedition, even though they had been shamed into releasing them immediately.
Zaharuddin's racist rant is seditious. The police should do their job as professionals sworn to protect and serve the country, which, in case they forget, is made up of a diverse population that is Malaysia.
Kingsman: PAS leaders like Zaharuddin should stop spreading racist fear-mongering instead of celebrating national unity.
Malaysia deserves leaders who uplift, not divide. Lim's promotion is a proud milestone - PAS turning it into a racial issue shows their toxic, backwards politics.
If PAS spent less time inventing dystopian fantasies and more on real issues, maybe Malaysia would progress faster.
Their hypocrisy is clear. They cry about "Malay rights" but sabotage national pride when a non-Malay succeeds. Pathetic.
Grow up lah: Congratulations, Johnny Lim for becoming lieutenant general. Your hard work and dedication are recognised and appreciated.
You are one of the very few non-Malays to be promoted in our institutionalised racist country.
It is not about race or religion, but defending our nation's sovereignty in times of need.
I hope our armed forces will continue to spearhead colour-blind promotions and opportunities for more non-Malays.
Just a Malaysian: Thank you, Zaharudin. You open our eyes and remind us, non-Malays, what PAS is made of.
It reminded us that no matter how weak we think Pakatan Harapan is, it is still way better than what a PAS-dominated Perikatan Nasional will do to the non-Malays.
Support Harapan, but pressure them to do better.
Frankly speaking: All the generals loyal to the king and country are the ones who dedicate their lives to protecting the country. Stop the polemics, PAS.
It is also an insult to all the uniformed personnel of this country!
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