'Rahman’s twisted logic would end all elections'
Published: Jan 25, 2015 2:45 AM | Updated: Jan 25, 2015 8:49 AM
Statements by BN MPs such as Abdul Rahman Dahlan and “right wing” groups in support of PAS chief Abdul Hadi Awang turning local council elections into a racial issue have a clear “hidden agenda”, said PKR.
PKR central committee member Latheefa Koya in a statement today said if Abdul Rahman’s justifications had merit, it would apply to all elections in Malaysia.
Statements by BN MPs such as Abdul Rahman Dahlan and “right wing” groups in support of PAS chief Abdul Hadi Awang turning local council elections into a racial issue have a clear “hidden agenda”, said PKR.
PKR central committee member Latheefa Koya in a statement today said if Abdul Rahman’s justifications had merit, it would apply to all elections in Malaysia.
“It is complete nonsense to say local elections will lead to racial polarisation or disunity.
“Those who say this clearly have a hidden agenda,” said Latheefa.
“If this absurd reasoning is to be accepted, we will not be able to hold any kind of elections in Malaysia, whether parliamentary, state or local council.
“Almost all constituencies in Malaysia are a mix of various races,” said the PKR lawyer.
She was responding to the housing, local government, and urban well-being minister's (above) Facebook posting yesterday in support of Hadi's arguments against reviving local council elections.
She rubbished the contention that local elections would fall victim to racial inequity pointing out how the outcome of the past two general elections already showed voters no longer polled according to race or religion.
“Malays voted in large numbers for Chinese opposition MPs, whereas non-Malays voted overwhelmingly for Malay candidates including PAS MPs,” she said.
'Don't call M'sians bigots'
Hadi stirred a hornet’s nest this week berating Pakatan partner DAP for pushing for local elections, claiming it would result in racial riots recalling May 13.
Local NGOs blasted Hadi accusing him of being the reason why civil society’s efforts to get Pakatan Rakyat’s Selangor government to restore local elections were scuttled in 2011.
Latheefa said that Umno must not be allowed to sabotage the democratisation of the nation by "raising the racial bogey again."
"It is selfish and narrow politicians who perpetuate and encourage the myth that Malaysian voters continue to vote on racial lines. This is an insult to the integrity and intelligence of the Malaysian voters," she said.
She said politicians like Abdul Rahman should be "careful" in implying that Malaysian voters are bigoted and nurse racial prejudice.
"Voters will remember this crude and untrue description of them," Latheefa added.
PKR central committee member Latheefa Koya in a statement today said if Abdul Rahman’s justifications had merit, it would apply to all elections in Malaysia.
“It is complete nonsense to say local elections will lead to racial polarisation or disunity.“Those who say this clearly have a hidden agenda,” said Latheefa.
“If this absurd reasoning is to be accepted, we will not be able to hold any kind of elections in Malaysia, whether parliamentary, state or local council.
“Almost all constituencies in Malaysia are a mix of various races,” said the PKR lawyer.
She was responding to the housing, local government, and urban well-being minister's (above) Facebook posting yesterday in support of Hadi's arguments against reviving local council elections.
She rubbished the contention that local elections would fall victim to racial inequity pointing out how the outcome of the past two general elections already showed voters no longer polled according to race or religion.
“Malays voted in large numbers for Chinese opposition MPs, whereas non-Malays voted overwhelmingly for Malay candidates including PAS MPs,” she said.
'Don't call M'sians bigots'
Hadi stirred a hornet’s nest this week berating Pakatan partner DAP for pushing for local elections, claiming it would result in racial riots recalling May 13.
Local NGOs blasted Hadi accusing him of being the reason why civil society’s efforts to get Pakatan Rakyat’s Selangor government to restore local elections were scuttled in 2011.Latheefa said that Umno must not be allowed to sabotage the democratisation of the nation by "raising the racial bogey again."
"It is selfish and narrow politicians who perpetuate and encourage the myth that Malaysian voters continue to vote on racial lines. This is an insult to the integrity and intelligence of the Malaysian voters," she said.
She said politicians like Abdul Rahman should be "careful" in implying that Malaysian voters are bigoted and nurse racial prejudice.
"Voters will remember this crude and untrue description of them," Latheefa added.
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