KOTA KINABALU – Two youth wings of political parties on opposite sides have hit out at PAS over the Islamist party’s accusations of corruption among non-Muslims and calls to ban concerts by international artists.
Upko Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s claims that non-Muslims and non-Bumiputeras were major contributors to corruption were slanderous and aimed to cause tension among Malaysians.
From rival party Bersatu, Armada (youth wing) vice-chief Caesar Mandela took a swipe at PAS youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who said concerts by international artists would cause tension.
“Hadi, as a leader from a ruling party in the federal government, should not have made such accusations without basis,” said Saang in a statement.
“It is slanderous of non-Muslims and non-Bumiputera communities. Corruption knows not race or religion.”
Hadi had made those remarks in a Facebook post, which was also carried by PAS’ newsletter Harakah.
Mandela meanwhile slammed PAS Youth for threatening to hold nationwide protests if concerts by international artists continued to be held in Malaysia.
“Sabah welcomes concerts including those that feature international artists. We have hosted such events before and there were never any problems,” said Mandela, adding that Sabahans are generally peace-loving and moderate individuals.
PAS’ Fadhlie had said such events go against the norms and values of Muslims in Malaysia and that such “hedonism” should not be allowed to spread. – The Vibes, August 30, 2022
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