Najib rally: Respect, not exploit Umno's decision, PKR rep tells PAS

Summary

• PKR leader Fahmi Zainol defends Umno’s decision to cancel the Najib Abdul Razak solidarity rally, commending the party for respecting the decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and police directives.

• Fahmi criticises PAS, particularly its information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, for exploiting the issue and making insensitive social media remarks that seemingly ridiculed royal and police authorities.

• Fahmi urges PAS to adopt a more mature approach, refrain from exploiting sensitive issues, and prioritise public harmony and respect for Malaysia’s royal institutions.

Umno’s decision to cancel its planned solidarity rally with Najib Abdul Razak, initially scheduled for Jan 6 has drawn mixed reactions, including criticism from PAS.

However, a PKR leader has stood up to defend Umno, urging PAS to respect Umno’s decision rather than exploiting the issue, describing it as shallow.

PKR supreme council member Fahmi Zainol criticised PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s careless remarks on the latter’s social media, which appeared to be an indirect jab at the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree and the directives of the inspector-general of police.

In a statement today, the Pantai Jerejak assemblyperson said PAS, which has long excelled at exploiting religious issues, has now emerged as a champion in exploiting Najib’s case.

“It is no surprise that they continue to undermine and trivialise Malaysia’s royal institutions, particularly with the ongoing heated debate surrounding pardons.”

Be more mature

Fahmi commended Umno’s decision to respect the royal decree and follow police directives.

He urged PAS to adopt a more mature approach to preserve public harmony and safety.

“Fadhli should have supported and praised Umno’s humility and respect for the decree of the Agong and its compliance with the directives of the IGP.

“This mature and reasonable approach should be emulated to preserve harmony and public order.”

Fadhli who is also Pasir Mas MP shared a cryptic post on social media following Umno’s decision to cancel the rally.

“Disangka jantan berkokok nyaring, rupanya ayam betina bertelur sebiji. Disergah biawak, digadai reban,” was what Fadhli posted in Malay on Facebook.

This led many politicians and elected representatives to question his motives behind it.

Amanah Youth chief Mohd Hasbie Muda has also instructed its members to lodge a police report on the matter.

Confusing statement

In a separate statement, DAP youth publicity secretary Ho Chi Yang also criticised Fadhli for issuing statements that caused confusion and sparked political polemics.

He said the allegorical remarks posted by Fadhli have raised various questions among the public, especially after Istana Negara clarified the Agong’s prerogative powers.

“PAS’ actions were not only disrespectful but also irresponsible, creating controversies that could tarnish the nation’s institutions.”

At the same time, the Tanah Rata assemblyperson also questioned why Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has not strongly condemned PAS’ actions, given the latter’s frequent and hasty criticisms of coalition government leaders in the past.

“When PAS crosses the line with irresponsible statements, why does Akmal fail to firmly criticise PAS?

“Is Akmal only brave enough to criticise coalition government leaders while prioritising maintaining close ties with PAS?”

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