PM: We must save Malaysia from religious bigotry

(The Star) – Winning the coming state elections is more about saving Malaysia from religious bigotry, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the views shared by PAS leaders were not just a political narrative but dangerous for the country.

“When we counter their statements, their leaders question why they cannot talk about race and that we are disrespecting the ulama.

“I have informed my colleagues, both in Pakatan Harapan and Umno, to see that we look into this and deal with it.

“It is not just a matter of winning but rather saving the country from religious bigotry,” he said when met by reporters at Arowana Futsal court in Permatang Pauh yesterday.

Anwar said some nonsensical issues had been brought up by PAS leaders such as Prophet Adam landing in Gunung Jerai and no one questioned it, not even the ulama of PAS.

“Notwithstanding whom you support, there are issues and facts that you must acknowledge.

“This is clear nonsense tolerated out of ignorance because loyalty is more to the party than the religion.

“If you are really committed to the teachings of Islam, you will not tolerate this,” he said.

On the upcoming state polls, Anwar said he was pleased to see PAS representatives at the event he was attending.

When asked about winning the state seats under Permatang Pauh, especially since the parliamentary constituency used to be his family stronghold, the Prime Minister said with God’s grace, they would win.

The three state seats – Seberang Jaya, Permatang Pasir and Penanti – were previously won by Pakatan.

In his speech at Masjid Jamek An-Nur Kampung Guar Perahu in Kubang Semang, Seberang Prai, the Prime Minister said the people needed to make their own assessment on how the government had fared especially when flooded with information overload.

“Make conscious decisions and scrutinise all the information. Politics is not about slander.

“I have my faults and other possible shortcomings that I might not know about.

“One should not insult and slander others, especially when they do not have all the facts.

“It is for the people to decide for themselves when faced with slanderous allegations about the government,” he said.