JOHOR BAHRU – The opposition’s exploitation of racial and religious sentiments as a political weapon exposes Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) inability to engage in productive policy discourse for the country’s development, said PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Amirudin, who is Selangor menteri besar, said racial and religious sentiments should never be manipulated for political gain, as it endangers the nation’s harmony, particularly in multi-racial Malaysia.
“PN was offered collaboration with the unity government but declined. While they can remain the voice of opposition, it’s not their role to sow extremism and division in the country,” Amirudin told Scoop after the unity ceramah at Bukit Indah Recreation Park, here, yesterday evening.
Amirudin also claimed that the opposition is increasingly resorting to aggressive tactics, justifying their means with the goal of seizing power and spreading extreme hatred.
“This attitude can erode the decades-long harmony of the country. We mustn’t tolerate such sentiments, especially as we seek to rebuild the nation together with the opposition.”
Regarding an individual’s alleged threat to divorce his wife, if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government survive until August, Amirudin suggested it reflects extreme political indoctrination resulting from divisive political tactics.
“These actions stem from the politics of hatred, instilling perceptions outside the norms of a mature democracy.”
Commenting on the upcoming Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections on September 9, Amirudin expressed confidence in the unity government’s economic programmes and its ability to win over Johor voters.
“In Johor, voter culture and attitudes may differ, but I believe that our recent efforts and growing strength will resonate with voters.” – September 3, 2023