PAS leader slammed over Facebook post linked to first Chinese three-star general
PETALING JAYA: A PAS division leader has come under fire from political leaders for suggesting that Malaysia will have its first Chinese prime minister by 2058 following the appointment of Mejar Jeneral Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng as the first Chinese senior officer as Leftenan Jeneral.
Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharudin Muhammad, in a now-deleted Facebook post, shared a news report of Lim's appointment and a scenario where, in February 2058, Malaysia finally appoints its first Chinese prime minister.
PKR Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, meanwhile, said Zaharudin's statement was malicious in nature.
'Something that should have been a source of pride, (has been) turned into a matter that could incite animosity and hatred.
'Islam does not endorse such views. The prejudicial behaviour clearly shows how some views are so narrow and shallow, that only aims to stoke racial sentiments and hatred,' said Muhammad Kamil in a posting on X on Wednesday (June 25).
Human Resources Minister and Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim said he was upset by Zaharudin's remarks, as Lim's appointment is being disputed, merely because he was Chinese by ethnicity.
'It is sad that Lim was insulted and it is sad that the PAS leader has also insulted thousands of other Malaysians who are braving the sun and rain, sleeping in jungles and at our borders just to sacrifice for this nation.
'When the enemy's bullets come, it does not ask whether our soldiers are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or Orang Asli. But when appointments are announced, some place more emphasis on race than sacrifice for the country,' said Sim.
Sim also said Zaharudin's remarks appear to undermine the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Armed Forces.
Sim also called for legal action against Zaharudin for uttering such remarks.
'Let this be a lesson to politicians that no matter what party you are from, never stoke racial flames,' said Sim.
In the now-deleted Facebook post, Zaharudin said it was possible to have the first Chinese prime minister in Malaysia within 30 to 40 years from now.
Lim, a Melaka-born officer, had served in the military for 41 years and said he had joined the army in 1984 to help in the effort against communist insurgents.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
PAS distances from controversial FB post, says Johnny Lim's appointment should be celebrated
PETALING JAYA: PAS takes seriously the controversy involving a social media post by one of the party's division leaders speculating on the country's future leadership, says Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan. The PAS secretary-general, in a statement Wednesday (June 25), emphasised that the post, or any similar posts, were the personal views of the individual and completely contrary to the official policies, resolutions, and vision of PAS. "PAS is committed to and upholds the principles and reality of racial and religious diversity as a unique and valuable characteristic of our society that must be nurtured in the best possible way. "Racism or racialism in any form or colour has no place in PAS, nor does it fit with the broader culture and national aspirations of this country," he said. Takiyuddin said the appointment of Mejar Jeneral Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng as a Leftenan Jeneral of the Malaysian Armed Forces is a historic event that should be celebrated by all citizens. "The abilities, achievements, progress, and success of any Malaysian in any field is good news for everyone. Congratulations from PAS to Leftenan Jeneral Johnny Lim," he said. Takiyuddin also said PAS continually reminds members to remain cautious and careful in their actions. "Every PAS member should always remember that one of the conditions for becoming a PAS member is loyalty and obedience to the party. "Therefore, PAS will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any member who violates party discipline, including insensitive behavior that tarnishes national unity aspirations and creates disharmony and suspicion in society," he added. Earlier Wednesday, Sungai Buloh PAS chief Zaharudin Muhammad had come under fire from political leaders for suggesting, in a now-deleted Facebook post, that Malaysia will have its first Chinese prime minister by 2058 following Leftenan Jeneral Lim's appointment as the first Chinese three-star general.
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
Steven Sim slams Pas leader for questioning Johnny Lim's appointment
'When the enemy's bullets come, they don't ask whether our soldiers are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or Orang Asli," he said. Human Resources Minister and Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim - Photo by Bernama SHAH ALAM – DAP urges the authorities to take stern action against a Pas leader who questioned the appointment of Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng as the first Chinese Lieutenant General in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim said he was disappointed and saddened by the statement made by Sungai Buloh Pas chief Zaharudin Muhammad, who questioned Lim's appointment just because he was Chinese. Sim stressed that Lim was indeed qualified to hold the position as he has served more than 40 years with the MAF. 'The statement by the Pas leader actually insults the thousands of young Malaysians who wear the military uniform every day, willingly being away from their families, rain or shine, sleeping in jungles and at borders to sacrifice and protect the sovereignty of this country. 'When the enemy's bullets come, they don't ask whether our soldiers are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or Orang Asli. But when an appointment is announced, there are those who place race above recognition for service and sacrifice to the nation,' he said in a statement, today. Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng during an interview at the National Resilience College in Putrajaya. The Human Resources Minister said Zaharudin's statement on Lim's appointment also appeared to undermine the trust of the MAF and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces. 'Such malicious statements reveal the true attitude of Pas towards the non-Muslim community in this country. 'Is the sacrifice of this Lieutenant General, over 41 years of service still not 'worthy' of celebration in his view? 'Should a soldier's love for this country be measured by the colour of his skin?,' he asked. Sim said he also wondered whether Zaharuddin had ever heard the name of Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri K. Thanabalasingam, the country's first local Royal Malaysian Navy chief. 'Has Zaharuddin ever heard of Brigadier General (Rtd) Datuk Seri Goh Seng Toh and many other non-Malays of the soil who have held high positions in the MAF? 'Statements that are racial, seditious and treasonous in tone such as this deserve to be met with firm legal action as a lesson to politicians, regardless of party, to never play with the fire of racism,' he said.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
PPP Youth lashes out at criticism of first Malaysian Chinese lieutenant-general
KUALA LUMPUR: PPP Youth has criticised a politician whose now-deleted Facebook post had allegedly criticised the promotion of the nation's first three-star general of Chinese descent. In congratulating Lieutenant-General Johnny Lim Eng Seng, PPP Youth chief Sathiah Sudakaran said the promotion was a recognition of his outstanding service and contributions over 41 years. He said in the conext of Malaysia Madani and a progressive nation, race or religious background should never be the basis for appointments to key national positions. Sathiah said the wing took "serious exception" to the posting of Sungai Buloh Pas chief Zaharuddin Muhammad, for questioning the promotion. "Such a statement not only insults the individual appointed but also tarnishes the dignity of thousands of Malaysians who have contributed to the nation across various sectors, including in defence. "What is more concerning is that the remark indirectly undermines the trust placed by the Malaysian armed forces and questions the wisdom and authority of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the supreme commander of the armed forces, in making this appointment. "This is not only disrespectful, but can also be seen as incitement and an affront to one of the nation's highest institutions." Sathiah said the authorities must take firm action against remark. "Racial politics must never be used as a tool to sow hatred and division among Malaysians who live in a diverse and multicultural society." Sathiah's statement comes after Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar had also slammed criticism of Lim's promotion, though he did not mention anyone by name.
