KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians must recognise that the use of religious sentiment is a deliberate attack against the unity government and reject such rhetoric, former Klang MP Charles Santiago said.
The increasing use of religion in politics is a deliberate attempt to unseat Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister, the DAP politician said.
“It is to paint him as someone who can’t protect Islam and the rights of Malay Muslims. This is a ploy for political gain and so, we need to remain united as one people.
“Those fanning such religious/racial sentiments don’t care about the country or its people, but political power. But it’s easy to spot them for they are those who use their position of authority within their religion,” Santiago said in a statement.
“The current government isn’t perfect, but Anwar is a better option. So, let’s come together as Malaysians to reject the use of religious belief to manipulate, control and dominate us through fear,” he added.
In recent weeks, the country has seen heightened religious and racial rhetoric on social media and from opposition figures over several issues.
These include the outcry over indie film Mentega Terbang and Youth and Sports Ministry’s alleged proselytising of Christianity to Muslim youth through an affiliate organisation’s “Jom Ziarah” programme, which involves visits to houses of worship.
Certain state religious bodies have responded by banning Muslims from participating in such programmes or visiting non-Muslim houses of worship.
Meanwhile, the sultans of a few states, including PAS-controlled Terengganu, have moved to ban politicians and political activists from holding religious talks in mosques and surau.
Yesterday, Anwar said he had ordered security forces to be on alert for possible unrest stemming from irresponsible quarters playing up racial and religious sentiments.
This also comes in the wake of corruption charges against opposition leaders, including former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who faces trial over alleged wrongdoing involving the Jana Wibawa programme.
The Vibes had also reported on March 5 that the Islamic State has launched a media platform in Malaysia called the Al Malaka Media Centre, effectively announcing its presence in the country, and that it is understood to be in direct support of a “radical political party and an established radical organisation”.
The perceived link with PAS was subsequently denied by the party’s spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin. – The Vibes, March 18, 2023
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