DAP MP questions PAS leaders' silence over 'eyes like ours' remark

PARLIAMENT | A government MP has taken the PAS leadership to task for their silence over racially charged remarks from the Islamist party's Perak chapter chief Razman Zakaria.

Ramkarpal Singh (Harapan-Bukit Gelugor) said only Razman has responded to criticisms against him while other PAS leaders have yet to come up with a statement.

"We have heard the PAS state commissioner's explanation in the media but we have not heard from any other PAS leader.

"What is their position in regard to the Perak PAS leader’s remarks? Isn't this something serious that can cause disunity among the rakyat?

"This is a serious issue. Is PAS going to make a statement or announcement?" the DAP representative asked while debating the Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.

During a rally held at Menara Condong, Teluk Intan in Perak on Saturday, Razman made veiled calls for Malay unity, using physical characteristics as a reference point.

“We ask those whose eyes are like this (while pointing to his eyes), skin like this (while pointing to his skin), and blood like ours, we must unite, this is the struggle we champion,” he told some 300 rally participants.

The gathering was a counter demonstration against the waving of the China flag at the same location during the Guan Gong cultural festival on Thursday.

No insult intended

Razman had since denied that he intended to insult any race with the remarks and claimed that the media had misinterpreted his words.

Following the incident, police launched an investigation against the gathering that Razman attended.

Police previously said they were also investigating the China flag incident at the Guan Gong cultural festival, where they found the organiser was at fault.

On Oct 27, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party firmly stood behind Razman and others involved in the counter-rally, but glossed over Razman’s racially charged remarks

PAS wants to attract non-Muslims

Earlier this year, the PAS unity bureau had revealed its vision to make the Islamist party the number one pick for non-Muslims in the country.

Its chairperson Dr Halimah Ali reportedly said at the time that the bureau would organise a two-day retreat to brainstorm strategies and plans on how to win over their hearts and minds, which included becoming more familiar with their issues.

Non-Muslim votes, she said, were crucial for PAS to realise its ambition of ruling both the nation and Selangor, which has been under Pakatan Harapan’s control since the 2008 general election.

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Group: M'sian flag present at event, China nationals feted diplomacy