KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — DAP’s Lim Guan Eng today reminded the party’s Penang chapter of the importance of winning the impending state election to counter the “extremists and racists” who are currently threatening the stability of the unity government.

He said Penang DAP must help the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition to achieve a convincing win in the state, not just for Penangites but also for the country.

“A convincing win in Penang would have the two-fold purpose of not only securing our children’s future and Penang as a symbol of good governance but also help to reinforce the stability of our unity government in Putrajaya under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will last the full five-year term.

“A win in Penang is a win for Putrajaya’s efforts to defeat the extremists and racists who are using lies, hate and threats to whip up sentiments to undermine, sabotage and overthrow our democratically-elected government in Putrajaya.

“These extremists and racists are willing to go to any length to gain power by hook or by crook,” said Lim in his speech at the Penang DAP Convention 2023 held at the Butterworth Arena in Butterworth, Penang today.

The event was attended by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and state party chairman Chow Kon Yeow where a cake-cutting ceremony was held in conjunction with the party’s 57th anniversary.

Lim, who is also the Bagan MP, cautioned that extremists and racists are targeting minorities because they blame the latter for the outcome of the 15th general election (GE15).

With that, he alleged that they are attempting to stoke fear by claiming that Malays have lost power, even though all important positions in the country are held by either Malays or Muslims.

“Even in the 28-member Cabinet, there are only nine non-Muslim ministers. Out of the 148 unity government MPs, 77 government MPs are Muslims which is more than the 72 Muslim MPs in Perikatan Nasional (PN),” he said.

Lim said that only the unity government in Penang and Putrajaya can bring Malaysians together as one nation.

“It is able to put Malaysia as a strong trading nation as part of the civilised international community, uphold the Federal Constitution and rule of law.

“Whether you are a majority or minority, you are one of us. Remember, Penang stands for unity in diversity, firmly defends the Federal and state constitution, good governance as espoused by principles of Competency Accountability and Transparency,” he said.

Lim, who is the former Penang chief minister, urged Penangites to uphold their constitutional rights regardless of race and religion.

He said it was their duty to prevent extremists from capturing the state government to ensure that only those who defend Penang’s sovereignty have the right to rule state.

During yesterday’s PKR Special National Congress in Shah Alam, Anwar was reported as saying that the current administration will never compromise on the principle that Malaysia is a country for all Malaysians irrespective of race or creed.

He also criticised those who exploit racial sentiments to their advantage, warning detractors and political foes to behave themselves.

“I will use my power and authority to deal with those who create trouble for the nation and its people,” said the prime minister.