Hate speech has never been the solution towards the people’s problems of low wages, high cost of living and lack of equal opportunity. PAS leaders led by its President Abdul Hadi Awang have been identified by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) as one of the main amplifiers of “divisive, racist, intolerant and hate-based” narratives.
CIJ disclosed that PAS have resorted to fear-triggering Muslim voters with phrases like ‘going to hell if you vote Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional’, and inciting violence against ‘kafir harbi’ (enemies of Islam), and for calling Malays to unite and fight against the Chinese (DAP) and Indians during the reporting period. Hadi and Pas have also resorted to ‘red-tagging’ in recent weeks, with the continued accusation of DAP being communists as they are allegedly atheist and promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) practices.
“Race and religion-based hate speech have been weaponised to create fear and antagonism against the Chinese, continuing to narrow the space for more inclusive politics in our democracy,” said Universiti Sains Malaysia’s communications expert Mahyuddin Ahmad in a statement. The use of such hate speech has not resolved the issues of poverty in Kelantan which remains the poorest state in Peninsular Malaysia after 32 years of PAS misrule nor provide for sufficient water supply.
Yesterday, PN Chairman Muhyiddin Yassin joined the PAS racial and extremist narrative by striking fear amongst Muslim voters of a Jewish and Christian conspiracy. The elections tomorrow will see the contest between PN and BN weaponising fear by using hate speech and the hope of a better future inspired by PH.
During the campaign, we have listened to what the people desire. The people of Malaysia want economic issues to be prioritised so that they can live better. The people want their government to respect the Federal Constitution and respect the people. They want the government to encourage the rakyat to respect each other to unite the nation and create a harmonious society.
Only by preserving freedom can we enjoy equal opportunity. Only by establishing justice, can we live in dignity. Only by pursuing good and clean governance can we enjoy prosperity. Only by upholding democracy can we ensure that the people and not cash is king.