With the upcoming election for six states turning into a battle for Malay votes, the remarks by Penang Gerakan's Mok Kok On regarding the civil service could backfire on Perikatan Nasional, which has positioned itself as the defender of race and religion.

DAP lawmaker Syahredzan Johan (above), whose party leaders have also made similar statements about the civil service in the past, pounced on Mok’s statement on social media, which has since been deleted...