Khoo accuses Pas of exploiting race, religion to capture Melaka and Putrajaya

MELAKA – DAP Melaka chairman Khoo Poay Tiong has accused Pas of exploiting racial and religious sentiments in its pursuit of political power, alleging that the party aims not only to form the Melaka state government but also to eventually capture Putrajaya.

The Kota Melaka Member of Parliament (MP) questioned whether such an approach was appropriate in a multiracial country like Malaysia, saying political parties should prioritise unity rather than use race and religion to gain support.

Khoo made the remarks after playing a video clip of Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's speech at the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional (BN-PN) Grand Finale ceramah the previous night.

“Pas is obsessed with securing political power and using racial and religious sentiments to advance its ambitions at both state and federal levels,” he said.

He was speaking at the DAP Grand Finale Ceramah Harapan at the DAP Melaka office in Taman Pandan Mawar here tonight (Nov 13), ahead of polling day for the 16th Melaka state election tomorrow.

Khoo's allegations came after Hadi's office rejected reports suggesting that the Pas president's remarks concerning non-Muslims during a ceramah in Melaka on Nov 12 were discriminatory.

In a statement, Hadi's office said the remarks had been taken out of context, explaining that he was discussing Islamic political principles based on sin and reward, which he maintained promoted just governance and guaranteed the rights of non-Muslim communities.

His office also expressed regret over the media coverage, saying it could cause public misunderstanding, and rejected attempts to stir racial sentiments ahead of the state election.

The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election.

A total of 79 candidates are contesting all 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.