KUALA LUMPUR: Pas slammed DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng for allegedly fanning religious sentiments in his recent speech.
Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the party strongly condemned the extreme provocation and incitement of extraordinary hatred by Lim, who allegedly made the remark at a temple in Jelutong, Penang.
He said the statement was a move to ensure Pakatan Harapan (PH) continues to govern Penang in the upcoming state elections.
"Unfortunately, the former PH government minister felt qualified and entitled to act in such an extreme manner without any valid and concrete evidence, in addition to not taking into account the impact it would have on the people's thinking and the well-being of life together that had been well-established for a long time.
"Perhaps Lim needs to list the temples and places of worship of non-Muslims that have been destroyed by Muslims in Malaysia, especially in the states led by parties associated with the "green wave" he is referring to," he said in a statement yesterday.
Lim, quoted in a Chinese daily, allegedly said that "If the green wave doesn't like the Indian temples they see, they would destroy them".
The green wave was closely associated with the rise of Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the 15th General Election (GE15) where Pas is a coalition partner in the pact.
Takiyuddin said such statements will worsen race and religion relations in society, by recalling hateful and malicious speech and sentiments which contributed to the May 13 tragedy.
He also warned that the unfortunate tragedy is closely related to the presence of DAP as a political party in the country.
"Such hate speech and attitudes are only born from individuals and parties who are desperate, barren of ideas, morally bankrupt and irresponsible and must be fully rejected.
"The people should reject individuals, groups, parties or any person who supports and extends such ideas and sentiments due to the foreseeable adverse effects.
"Pas urges the authorities, especially the Home Ministry to act decisively and proactively against the parties who deliberately cause anxiety and tension in the community, both on the opposition, the public and the government on the basis of our commitment to peace and harmony in life," he added.
Lim has since denied that he was fanning religious hatred through his speech which was quoted in the Chinese daily.
He said that he was referring to the case of a Hindu temple being demolished in July 2020 in Alor Setar, Kedah.
He also said that his speech delivered in Mandarin was misinterpreted.