DAP concerned about party aspirations rather than national interests - PN

SHAH ALAM - Federal Territories DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai's proposal to revive local government elections (PBT) in Kuala Lumpur is seen as giving more importance to the party aspirations than national interests.

Federal Territories Perikatan Nasional (PN) information chief Mahathir Mohd Rais said the move, which was seen as reflecting DAP's agenda rather than the real aspirations of the Chinese and Indian communities, has raised concerns about the country's social and political compatibility.

"This shows concern about radical changes that do not consider Malaysia's socio-political context.

"The change towards local elections, which have been adapted post-independence to reflect Malaysia's unique identity, now raises questions about its compatibility with the structures and values ​​that have long been established in Malaysian society," he said in a statement, yesterday.

Mahathir said this was because the motion could affect the balance and harmony among people who were multi-ethnic and multi-religious.

"This DAP campaign is seen as challenging historical decisions that have long been established in Malaysian society and further as representing the party's ideology that does not reflect the needs or wishes of the Chinese and Indian community as a whole.

"Criticism of this proposal shows the urgent need to reject it in order to protect the interests of Malaysians," he said.

He explained that the main concern was that the proposal could threaten the special position of Islam and the Malay race enshrined in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, as well as disrupt the ethnic balance and harmony that has been built for a long time in the country.

Previously, Sinar reported that Tan had urged the government to start the local government elections in the capital first as a show of democracy in the Federal Territories.

The Cheras Member of Parliament said that the introduction of the election was aimed at sustainability and giving the people the choice to elect local councillors.