In Penang, PM Anwar says on mission to save Malaysia from racial and religious extremism

SEBERANG PERAI, June 30 — The unity government is focused on saving the country from race and religious bigotry and not winning the upcoming state elections alone, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the religious narrative spread among PAS leaders is dangerous for the country.

“Some really nonsensical issues have been brought up by PAS leaders, such as claims that Prophet Adam landed in Gunung Jerai (in Kedah), and no one questioned this, not even the PAS ulama,” he said in a brief press conference after a Qurban Perdana Madani event in Permatang Pauh.

In Islam, Adam is considered the faith’s first prophet.

Today, Anwar said no PAS leader corrected the remarks even though the claim of the Islamic figure being in Kedah was “clear nonsense”.

“What is wrong with this country, notwithstanding whom you support, there are issues and facts that you must acknowledge,” he said.

He said when they countered what was said, they were instead accused of disrespecting the ulama.

“If you are really committed to the teachings of Islam, you will not tolerate this,” he said.

He said PAS leaders have even said those who do not support their party are enemies of Allah.

“This is not just a political narrative this is dangerous for the country,” he said.

When asked if there had been be a “green wave” in Permatang Pauh during the general election, Anwar said he does not accept the narrative that a groundswell of support for religious conservatism was the reason his daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, lost in his traditional seat.

“It is also the failure to address some concerns and to effectively counter the incessant propaganda using the race card and religious bigotry,” he said.

He said he has already informed the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional leaders to deal with this race and religious propaganda spread by PAS.

When asked if the PH-BN coalition could win the three state seats in Permatang Pauh in the state election, he expressed confidence they would.

“This is not a matter of winning the elections but a matter of saving the country from this crazy race and religious bigotry,” he said.

He added that the mosques should not be used as a place to spread hate.

“You cannot use mosque to incite racial and religious issues,” he said.