The appointment of MCA and Gerakan leaders into the cabinet shows the generosity of the country's Malay leadership, said Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman.

"Even when MCA and Gerakan suffered heavy losses in the last general election, they were still given cabinet positions," he added.

The question now for the Muslim community, he added, is to what extent would MCA and Gerakan show their gratitude.

"Will MCA and Gerakan consider this generosity, or will they take this opportunity to join hands with DAP and other non-Muslims to question Islam as well as the rights of Malays and bumiputera?" he asked in a statement.

Abdullah said this is a valid question because it appears that MCA and Gerakan are on the same page with DAP in opposing hudud and questioning Malaysia's status as an Islamic state.

As part of the ruling coalition, he warned that it would be a mistake for MCA and Gerakan to make enemies of Islam and the special rights of the Malays to win back Chinese votes.

"This is because MCA and Gerakan should elect to represent the Chinese who are loyal to the constitution and treasure unity as well as harmony," he added.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced the appointment of five MCA leaders and Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong into the cabinet.

Related stories

Isma: Be grateful for Umno's generosity

PM's Office: ISIL remark taken out of context

Malaysiakini wants judge in Najib's suit replaced

Bigger cabinet doesn't necessarily mean better

Anwar slams Najib over 'Allah' acrimony

'Reshuffle puts multiracial mix back in gov't'

Chew Mei Fun sworn in as senator

Umno leader: Zam, we used cheap songket

Songket war continues, Zam weaves a retort

'Catastrophic failure' in military establishment