PAS distances itself from Hadi's son-in-law's racist post, warns of action

Summary

• PAS sec-gen Takiyuddin Hassan stresses that Zaharudin Muhammad's post was the grassroots leader’s personal opinion, contrary to PAS' official positions.

• He warns that the party would take disciplinary action against members who violate party discipline, especially if their actions tarnish national unity or create disharmony.

• Zaid Ibrahim calls for the PAS man to apologise.

PAS is distancing itself from a grassroots leader’s controversial comment likening the country’s immigration policies to the Zionist settlement of Palestine, warning it could one day lead to a non-Malay becoming prime minister.

The party stressed that the remarks on Facebook, made by Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharudin Muhammad, who is also the son-in-law of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, do not represent its official position.

In a statement last night, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the social media post ran contrary to the party’s policies and principles.

“The post, or any similar posts, are entirely the individual’s personal view, which not only has no relation but is completely contrary to PAS’ official stance as outlined in its constitution, muktamar resolutions, party meetings, or official statements issued from time to time,” he said.

While Takiyuddin (above) did not name Zaharudin directly, he referenced a now-deleted Facebook post that speculated on the possibility of Malaysia having a non-Malay prime minister by the year 2058 due to liberal immigration policies such as the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

He said the party took such matters seriously.

“There is no tolerance when it comes to ethics, decorum or party discipline, as reflected in the PAS constitution.

“Members must remember that one of the conditions of joining PAS is to acknowledge and obey the party’s constitution, rules, and directives. This is what we call wala’ and loyalty to the party,” said the Kota Bharu MP.

He added that PAS would not hesitate to initiate disciplinary action against members who tarnish the party’s image or disrupt harmony in society.

FB post triggers backlash

In his deleted post, Zaharudin warned that immigration policies could result in demographic changes.

Following backlash, he then said in a separate post: “If these foreign communities enter in a planned manner, similar to the Zionists in Palestine, then it is not impossible that by 2058, Malaysia’s PM could be the child of such a group.”

Zaharuddin also denied that the original post was directed at the appointment of Malacca-born Johnny Lim as lieutenant general in the armed forces.

“The picture used was for illustration purposes only. It has no connection to the content of my post.

“There was no explicit or implicit insult or belittling of the appointment. I meant to say that appointing a non-Muslim bumiputera is a norm, but a non-Malay PM should not be treated as normal like non-Malay appointments in the armed forces,” he explained.

He also accused Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and other political figures of twisting his message to frame him as a racist.

“They interpret my concerns as opposition to the ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ concept, which is a dishonest framing driven by political bias,” he claimed.

Commitment to unity

Takiyuddin reiterated that the party upholds unity and inclusivity.

“Diversity and differences in background must never be used to justify any form of injustice. Nor should they be a reason to deny progress, opportunities, achievements, capabilities, or the legitimate aspirations of any individual or community,” he said.

He added that Lim’s appointment should be celebrated.

“His appointment is something to be proud of, not questioned or belittled just because of his ethnic background.

“Any achievement by a Malaysian in any field is good news for all, not the opposite. PAS congratulates Lim,” he said.

Just apologise

DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng had earlier called on the authorities to take stern action against Zaharudin over the remarks.

Veteran politician Zaid Ibrahim said the best thing for Zaharuddin to do is to apologise.

“A Chinese who deserves a promotion in the army should be saluted and praised for his ability. There should be no doubt that this country is for all Malaysians.

“PAS must wholeheartedly praise and be proud that we can discard race as the one issue to divide us,” he added.

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