A senior PAS leader today warned the DAP and other Harapan components against using bogeyman tactics to label its union with Umno as a racist, extreme and radical "klepto-theocracy".
In insisting that PAS-Umno cooperation will not sideline other races and religions, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (above) in a statement also warned DAP against pursuing its alleged Christianisation agenda.
"The struggle of PAS and Umno is to unite the ummah in an inclusive manner by prioritising Malays and Muslims but without prejudice to other races.
"This is in line with the teachings of Islam, the Federal Constitution, historical context as well as current demands," said Tuan Ibrahim.
"How about the DAP? Is a Christianisation agenda in Malaysian politics considered a reasonable action?" asked Tuan Ibrahim, who cited an alleged speech by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Steven Sim at a forum last Saturday.
On Monday, political analyst Kamarul Zaman Yusoff was quoted by PAS news organ Harakahdaily as questioning Sim's speech during a “New Malaysia Narrative” forum held at Mega Chinese Methodist Church in Kota Damansara.
"I reserve my comment on this matter at the moment," Sim (photo) told Malaysiakini when contacted.
Tuan Ibrahim further urged authorities to investigate the forum organisers and its contents to avoid confusion among the public.
'Even sworn enemies can reconcile'
Meanwhile, former PAS vice-president Nakhaie Ahmad pointed out how even parties once at war with each other could reconcile their differences, let alone PAS and Umno.
Nakhaie, who left PAS to join Umno in 1989, said the political cooperation was borne out of rejection from Malay-Muslims who are unhappy with changes brought about by Harapan.
"These two parties representing the Malays are willing to set aside their chronic differences when a majority of Malays are in an uncomfortable position and felt threatened," he told Malaysiakini.
Umno Veteran secretary-general Mustapha Yaakob said the party has moved on from its bitter rivalry with PAS, and Harapan leaders, including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, should refrain from meddling in their affairs.
"It is up to PAS whether they want to retract their Umno kafir (infidel) allegation in the past.
"For Umno, we have forgotten about the bitter memories and both parties have buried all our hate and anger, replacing it with new ties," he said.
Additional reporting by HASPAIZI ZAIN.
