DAP is not surprised at the fierce attacks at Port Dickson on Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim by PAS President Dato’ Seri Haji Abdul Hadi Awang, that portrays Dato’ Seri Anwar as inconsistent in his Islamic practice and not to be trusted as a Muslim, just because Anwar attends events held at non-Muslim religious places of worship. This is not the first time that Hadi has expressed chauvinistic sentiments against non-Muslims. From derogatory remarks against DAP leaders as “pigs” and banning non-Muslim from holding Ministerial posts in government, Hadi has been consistent against non-Muslims.
Datuk Seri Anwar did not participate in any non-Muslim religious ceremony when he visited churches, mosques and temples, and yet he is branded as not to be trusted as a Muslim. Such hostility is dangerous. All Malaysians should demonstrate their support for Anwar, the candidate that represents the aspirations of Pakatan Harapan in wanting to unite Malaysians regardless of race or religion, practices good governance, celebrates diversity and practices inclusive policies.
PAS and Hadi may be desperate to win Malay/Muslim votes in the Port Dickson Parliamentary by-election, since PAS know they have minimal support amongst non-Malay or non-Muslim voters, but inciting racial or religious sentiments highlights the fact that fears amongst non-Malays and non-Muslims about PAS is genuine and justified. That is why PH and DAP fully supports Anwar because he represents Pakatan Harapan’s vision to unite and not divide Malaysians.
PAS and Hadi have always attempted to create negative sentiments amongst the Malay and Muslim communities, against minority races and minority religious groups to gain political capital, and distract attention from their own weaknesses of not having any nation-building plans to develop the country’s economy. PAS has no economic record to show with Kelantan, basically a failed economy with annual budget deficits, which is dependent on Federal government financial aid to pay the salaries of the Kelantan civil service.
To brand a person as inconsistent with his Islamic practices simply based on the person’s visit of religious places other than their own, is wrong and unhealthy because it encourages extremists who are prejudiced and wants to discriminate against non-Muslims. Hadi does not appear to see non-Muslims as worthy of being treated with respect and dignity as citizens of Malaysia. Now even Muslims interacting with non-Muslims at non-Muslim religious places of worship are targeted.
If a Muslim visiting or attending functions at churches, Chinese and Indian temples is wrong, then this is a setback for racial tolerance and religious harmony. Malaysians regardless of race or religion should reject such prejudice and hostility against non-Muslim places of religious worship. Instead choose an inclusive Malaysia that unites everyone on common values of justice, freedom, democracy, integrity, equal opportunities and economic fairness.