Don’t forget that PN champions moderation, Gerakan tells PAS

A top Gerakan leader has reminded PAS about one of Perikatan Nasional’s main goals, as the two PN component parties continue their back-and-forth over funding for Chinese schools.

(FMT) – Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong reminded PAS that among PN’s core agenda was to push for a moderate Malaysia while looking after the interests of all Malaysians.

“Therefore, PAS should respect Gerakan in our efforts to defend the Chinese and Indians, as well as their mother tongue.

“I hope that PAS remembers the purpose and goal of PN’s establishment is to champion the interests of all Malaysians. Don’t neglect the rights of other races in prioritising the Malays and Muslims,” he told FMT.

Oh declined to respond to PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah’s statement that Gerakan was free to leave PN if it felt uncomfortable being part of the coalition, with PAS and Bersatu.

Earlier this month, PAS criticised a deputy minister for accepting a mock cheque for RM3 million bearing a Tiger Beer logo at a fundraising event for a Chinese vernacular school in Sungai Pelek, Selangor.

Leaders of DAP, MCA and Gerakan have somewhat united to defend the fundraising event, saying the vernacular schools had no choice as they were only partly funded by Putrajaya.

The education ministry has since said it will maintain existing guidelines used by previous governments when it comes to funding for schools.

The tiff between the two PN components kicked off when Oh said Gerakan will not hesitate to leave the coalition if its allies continue to display religious extremism and infringe on the rights of non-Muslims.

Amar then said PAS had no objections if Gerakan were to quit PN.

PAS’s information chief, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, said the Islamic party might not be able to work with Gerakan at the next general election if the latter maintains its position on alcohol companies and Chinese schools.