MCA has criticised DAP for allegedly "hypnotising" the Chinese community to support Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), which it claimed to be nothing more than PAS in a coat with orange lining.

"Amanah is nothing but PAS, the political party donning an orange-hued suit, different on the outside, yet same on the inside.

"From top to bottom, Amanah’s management and grassroots are derived from PAS, where they have long been influenced by PAS and possess the same thinking," publicity bureau chairperson Chai Kim Sen said in a statement today.

He argued that while Amanah's orange-lined coats might look wonderful and new, and while its modus operandi differed from PAS, the two were still the same on the inside.

Chai alleged that DAP was eager to brand Amanah as new and distinct from PAS after realising its mistake in promoting the Islamist party to the Chinese community.

He said once DAP's ties with PAS turned sour, it quickly distanced itself from the party and used Amanah to cover up its faults.

However, he added, Amanah, a newbie in need of non-Muslim support, was hiding its own conservative agenda and using DAP to whitewash its image.

He said Amanah would eventually shed its orange coat and reveal the PAS values hidden underneath.

"DAP is aware of this but allows itself to be used by Amanah to garner votes, and even helps to hypnotise the Chinese community into believing the party," he added.

Chai said DAP was acting more shamefully by extending one hand to PAS in Selangor, and the other hand to Amanah.

He said this proved DAP was insincere towards the Chinese community, and only wanted to cling onto power.

"In the end, the future of the nation is forsaken following the destruction of the Federal Constitution and its multi-cultural assets," he added.