KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 — Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering racial and religious harmony following criticism of his ministry’s Christmas celebration and the announcement of legal action by PAS over his remarks.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nga wrote, “I am a minister for all Malaysians regardless of race and religion. I will continue to promote racial and religious harmony.

“I will continue to defend our fundamental liberty enshrined in the FC (Federal Constitution) and never succumb to threats by extremists,” he added, tagging his post with #AnakKelate (son of Kelantan) and #MalaysiaMadani.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan today accused Nga of spreading “baseless accusations and malicious defamation,” claiming the minister falsely described the party as “deviant,” “spreading deviant teachings” and “blocking Christmas celebrations.”

“History has shown that since independence, government ministries and agencies have never openly organised religious celebrations other than Islamic ones at government premises, let alone involve Muslim officials and staff in such events,” Takiyuddin said in a Facebook statement.

He criticised Nga for allegedly dismissing valid concerns raised by Deputy PAS youth chief Hanif Jamaluddin regarding the participation of Muslim staff in the Christmas event.

Hanif had referenced the National Fatwa Council’s 2005 guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim religious celebrations.

Takiyuddin added, “Despite his talk of harmony, unity, and mutual respect, Nga has openly violated and challenged not only the authority of the religious bodies in the country but also interfered directly in Islamic affairs.”

Nga had earlier defended the event, asserting that the ministry celebrates all major festivals, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali and Chinese New Year, as a reflection of Malaysia’s multicultural society.

“We will not succumb to bigotry or extremism but will continue to honour and respect our multicultural society,” Nga was quoted as saying in earlier reports.

He also clarified that many officers participating in the ministry’s Christmas event were from Sabah and Sarawak, reflecting mutual respect and harmony.

PAS, however, warned that Nga’s “reckless comments” could “revive dark chapters in the country’s history that will benefit no one.”

The party vowed to hold Nga accountable for any unrest caused by his statements.

Nga has yet to respond to the latest allegations, but he reiterated his commitment to Malaysia’s diversity and harmony, writing, “Demi Pertiwi (For the Nation).”