DAP MP accuses PAS leader of defying king's advice by evoking May 13

Summary

• DAP’s Khoo Poay Tiong censures PAS’ Ahmad Marzuk Shaary for raising the racial riots when arguing against the proposed Anti-Racial Discrimination Act.

• He says the Pengkalan Chepa MP disregarded the king’s advice to prioritise national unity.

• Khoo adds that Marzuk has disregarded the sanctity of the Dewan Rakyat.

PAS lawmaker Ahmad Marzuk Shaary has been accused of disregarding Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's advice by invoking the May 13 racial riots while opposing the proposed Anti-Racial Discrimination Act.

DAP MP Khoo Poay Tiong stressed that such rhetoric has no place in Parliament, which should serve as a beacon of unity, progress and constructive dialogue.

“His Majesty has explicitly urged MPs to rise above petty politics and prioritise national unity.

“It is deeply regrettable that Marzuk has chosen to disregard this royal advice, opting instead to sow division and fear,” Khoo (above) added in a statement today.

On Tuesday, the Pengkalan Chepa MP told the Dewan Rakyat that an Anti-Racial Discrimination Act, which was proposed by DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng, could serve as a backdoor for the abolition of bumiputera rights and privileges.

“We must remember that tensions like these could spark racial unrest and lead to a repeat of the May 13, 1969 incident,” Marzuk said.

Khoo described the remarks as not only irresponsible but also dangerously inflammatory.

“By suggesting that such legislation could serve as a ‘backdoor’ for the abolition of bumiputera rights and privileges, and by invoking the spectre of racial riots, Marzuk has recklessly attempted to incite racial sentiments,” the Kota Melaka MP added.

Respect Dewan’s sanctity

Khoo also criticised the PAS lawmaker for blatantly disregarding the sanctity of the Dewan Rakyat and the trust placed in them as representatives of the people.

He said lawmakers are duty bound to foster harmony, promote solidarity and address the challenges facing Malaysia.

“Marzuk's actions stand in stark contrast to these principles. His comments not only undermine the spirit of unity but also risk eroding public confidence in our democratic institutions.

“Such attempts to incite racial tensions must be addressed with the seriousness they deserve. We cannot allow the hallowed halls of Parliament to be misused for divisive and destructive purposes,” he added.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang previously dismissed the need for the government to create such an Act because existing legal provisions are sufficient.

He said Malaysia already has the Penal Code, the Sedition Act of 1948, the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984 to investigate any threats that could undermine racial harmony.

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