DAP has taken aim at Abdul Hadi Awang’s absenteeism in Parliament after the PAS leader accused DAP of being in favour of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement because “the Chinese control trade in Malaysia”.

DAP’s Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng stressed that his party is against TPPA and all 37 of its MPs will vote against the agreement when it is tabled in Parliament at the end of this month.

However, Lim said he hoped Abdul Hadi will show up to also vote against the ratification of the TPPA.

“I hope that, if there are no unforeseen circumstances, Abdul Hadi can join the TPPA voting session in the Dewan Rakyat so that we can reject the TPPA together,” he said in a statement today.

While Abdul Hadi has participated in the parliamentary debates, he was often absent from major legislative votes including during the amendment to the Sedition Act as well as the introduction of the Prevention of Terrorism Act , Goods and Services Act and Budget 2016 .

Lim also criticised Abdul Hadi, who is Marang MP, for adopting Umno’s script of racial politics.

“I’m sure the Marang MP realises that the one eager to sign the TPPA is Umno, which he claims to advice.

“Based on Hadi’s accusation against DAP, does Umno’s stance in support of the TPPA mean it is a party supported by Chinese traders?” he said.

Lim also took a swipe at Abdul Hadi’s previous statement that PAS was not “power crazy” and was willing to act as adviser to Umno which is in the government.

“How can PAS fail to advise Umno not to press on with the TPPA when it is now so close and friendly to the party for the last six months after splitting with its former allies?” he said.

PAS, DAP were former allies under the umbrella of Pakatan Rakyat but the coalition disintegrated last year following major disagreements.

Since then, the relationship between PAS and DAP have further deteriorated.