Sg Petani MP slams PN over race politics

KUALA LUMPUR: Sungai Petani MP Dr Taufiq Johari has criticised Perikatan Nasional (PN) for what he calls a cynical use of unity rhetoric, following a Pas leader's defence of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's new alliance aimed at "restoring Malay power".
"Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man must know that Dr M's proposal for all Malay-based parties to come under a single, broad coalition is a desperate and provocative move," he said in a statement.
Taufiq, a PKR lawmaker, also accused PN of political opportunism, saying the coalition is attempting to present itself as a unifier of the Malay community despite a history of causing division.
"They now pretend to champion unity, but both Dr Mahathir and Pas have repeatedly fractured the Malay community in the past," he said.
Taufiq is an emerging leader in PKR party led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
PKR represents a multiracial party, and Anwar has pledged to protect the rights of all races in the country while promoting economic growth, with a special action plan to uplift the poor.
Taufiq said the unity government under Anwar is a broad-based coalition with strong Malay leadership alongside representation from diverse communities and regions.
On Wednesday, Dr Mahathir announced the formation of a new loose coalition — comprising Pas and Bersatu — to rally the Malay community in what he described as an effort to save it from political and economic decline.
The event was attended by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, and Pas deputy president Tuan Ibrahim.
Taufiq urged Malays not to fall for their rhetoric and not to be tricked by the "deceitful and irresponsible claims."
"What does Mahathir even mean by "restoring Malay power?!

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