By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Nov 12 — Malay candidates from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) have urged PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to stop underestimating the intellect of Malay voters in choosing their leaders.
In a joint statement by Zulhazmi Sharif (Jerai), Khairil Khalid (Pulau Manis), Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Bukit Bendera), Tarmizi Mohd Jam (Gerik), Young Syefura Othman (Bentong), Syahredzan Johan (Bangi), Sheikh Omar (Ayer Hitam), Fatin Zulaikha Zaidi (Mersing), Shazwan Zdainal (Pontian) and Badrul Hisham Badarudin (Changkat Jong), the candidates said Hadi Awang must realise that people are no longer voting based on race and religion.
“Malay voters would be voting Malay candidates from DAP not because they are Muslim, but based on the performance and services rendered by representatives from the party.
“The seats allocated for Malay candidates are not easy seats. However, DAP has nominated their best candidates to help Pakatan Harapan win the ongoing 15th general election (GE15), thus opening up more possibilities for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to become the Prime Minister.
“Nonetheless, we thank Hadi Awang for giving publicity to DAP and letting the public know the party has introduced many Malay candidates this GE15. We understand DAP’s efforts in introducing high-calibre Malay candidates have dismayed PAS and Perikatan Nasional.”
read the statement today.
The candidates added the public has become more aware that PAS and its affiliates tend to ride on Malay and Muslim sentiments to rake in votes.
“Their shallow opinions have caused them to be better at riding racial and religious sentiments, instead of nominating good candidates who would be able to help resolve the people’s problem, as DAP and Harapan did,” they said.
In GE15, DAP has nominated 55 candidates for parliamentary seats throughout the country.
