Stop politicising nation's diversity, Pusat Komas tells PAS

Summary

• Pusat Komas criticises PAS’ rally today, calling it an attempt to politicise the nation’s religious and cultural diversity.

• It also says PAS not doing enough to protect the rights of all communities regardless of background.

• PAS’ actions, it adds, also distracts the people from pressing issues that require genuine attention.

Pusat Komas has criticised PAS’ planned rally against cabinet members Hannah Yeoh and Nga Kor Ming, describing it as an attempt to politicise the nation’s religious and cultural diversity.

“PAS has repeatedly demonstrated over the past few days its unwillingness to muster a genuine effort towards upholding the rights and interests of all communities regardless of race or religion, as they previously vowed to do.

“We urge PAS and its leadership to reflect on their political direction and adopt more inclusive approaches that respect the Malaysia we all share,” the NGO said in a statement today.

Later today, the youth wings of PAS and Bersatu will be holding a joint rally at the Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque in Kampung Baru.

According to PAS Youth deputy chief Mohd Hafez Sabri, they are holding the rally to condemn Nga for carrying out Christmas celebrations in government offices.

Hafez also said Yeoh’s book titled “Becoming Hannah” contains elements of Christian proselytisation which should be taken seriously and even opposed.

Inclusive initiative

Unimpressed, Pusat Komas said the Christmas event held by the Housing and Local Government Ministry helmed by Nga should be celebrated as an inclusive initiative, instead of being used as a tool to propagate threats.

As for Yeoh’s book, the NGO highlighted that the book, which is a personal account of her faith, has been publicly available for years and does not constitute proselytisation.

“They should be seen as opportunities to foster goodwill, not as grounds for political contention or fear-mongering.

“This action (by PAS and Bersatu) threatens national unity and promotes intolerance by framing inclusivity and personal faiths as threats to Islam.

“Such rhetoric and protests are divisive and undermine Malaysia’s multicultural identity. This distracts from pressing issues that require genuine attention,” it noted.

Pusat Komas then urged all parties to engage in civil discourse and reject actions that divide the country, especially as Malaysia assumes the Asean chair role this year.

“Our nation’s diversity is integral to our identity. It is imperative for all leaders to protect this foundation for the betterment of every citizen and a yardstick for every nation in the region,” Pusat Komas added.

On Jan 1, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the issues surrounding “threats to Islam” will be repeatedly played up by parties out to build support.

“This time @hannahyeoh’s book and the festive celebration by @ngakorming became an issue.

“So, others will see as if this (issue) is (about) Islam, when in actual fact it is nothing more than an outdated tactic to fire up sentiments when there is a dearth of political capital,” said the PKR vice-president on X.

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