MELAKA, Nov 13 – PKR deputy secretary-general Sivamalar Genapathy has urged PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to withdraw his controversial remarks about Muslims and non-Muslims.
In a media statement issued on Friday, Sivamalar strongly criticised Hadi’s reported comments at a joint Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) campaign event.
She said the remarks suggested that even the worst Muslim was not as cruel as a non-Muslim. She described the statement as inappropriate and warned that it could divide Malaysians.
According to Sivamalar, people should be judged by their actions, not their religion.
She also stressed that no religious community should be used to insult or belittle people of other faiths.
Sivamalar Questions BN and PN’s Position
Sivamalar expressed concern about the timing of Hadi’s reported remarks. The comments were made less than 48 hours before Melaka voters headed to the polls.
She questioned whether the remarks reflected the kind of leadership PAS would offer if it gained the opportunity to govern Malaysia.
She also called on MCA, MIC, MIPP and Gerakan to explain their positions.
Sivamalar questioned why these parties had remained silent when a political ally made remarks that, in her view, affected the dignity of non-Muslim communities.
She said political interests and election victories should never take priority over racial and religious harmony.
Calls for Hadi to Issue a Public Apology
Sivamalar demanded that Hadi withdraw his remarks and apologise publicly.
She also urged BN and PN leaders to state their positions clearly.
According to her, political leaders should not use religion to create divisions or suggest that one group is morally superior to another.
She stressed that leaders must take responsibility for statements that could affect relations between communities.
Melaka Voters Urged to Consider Leadership Values
With polling day approaching, Sivamalar reminded voters that the election was about more than choosing their representatives.
She urged the public to consider the values and principles of the political parties seeking their support.
She added that Malaysia needed leaders who could unite people from different backgrounds.
Religious differences, she said, should never become weapons for political gain.
Sivamalar Genapathy is the Deputy Secretary-General and a member of the Central Leadership Council (MPP) of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
SIVAMALAR GENAPATHY
Deputy Secretary-General & Member of the Central Leadership Council (MPP)
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
– Minutesmy
