Don: Did 'Chinese emperor' reveal PAS' hypocrisy or newfound tolerance?
RK Anand
Published: Feb 12, 2025 10:46 AM
Updated: 2:36 PM
Summary
Published: Feb 12, 2025 10:46 AM
Updated: 2:36 PM
Summary
- Academic Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi responds to PAS’ muted response to Najib Abdul Razak’s son dressing up as a Chinese emperor.
- He wonders if the reaction would have been the same if PM Anwar Ibrahim’s children had done the same or if DAP’s Nga Kor Ming dressed up as Hang Tuah.
When the mere sight of a Chinese flag sends PAS into political convulsions, academic Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi finds its reaction to the presence of a “Chinese emperor” in Pahang surprising.
“I am pleasantly surprised,” he told Malaysiakini.
“Does this mean that PAS has matured? Are we witnessing a new phase for a party that is usually easily triggered?
“Or is this response - or lack thereof - a glaring example of hypocrisy? Dare I ask whether the reaction would have been different if Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s children had dressed up as a Chinese emperor or empress?” he said.
The architecture professor, who is a staunch critic of PAS, shared his thoughts on Pahang exco member Nizar Najib’s dressing as a Chinese emperor from the Qing Dynasty during the Chinese New Year celebrations in the state.
“I am pleasantly surprised,” he told Malaysiakini.
“Does this mean that PAS has matured? Are we witnessing a new phase for a party that is usually easily triggered?
“Or is this response - or lack thereof - a glaring example of hypocrisy? Dare I ask whether the reaction would have been different if Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s children had dressed up as a Chinese emperor or empress?” he said.
The architecture professor, who is a staunch critic of PAS, shared his thoughts on Pahang exco member Nizar Najib’s dressing as a Chinese emperor from the Qing Dynasty during the Chinese New Year celebrations in the state.
Pahang exco Nizar Najib (fourth from right) and his wife alongside other leaders during a CNY celebration in Kuantan recently
Nizar, the son of jailed former premier Najib Abdul Razak, wore the costume to emphasise a message of tolerance.
Tajuddin, who expressed his support for such displays of inter-racial understanding, highlighted the deep historical ties between China and Malaysia.
He pointed to centuries of cultural and economic exchanges, dating back to the Malacca sultanate.
Nizar, the son of jailed former premier Najib Abdul Razak, wore the costume to emphasise a message of tolerance.
Tajuddin, who expressed his support for such displays of inter-racial understanding, highlighted the deep historical ties between China and Malaysia.
He pointed to centuries of cultural and economic exchanges, dating back to the Malacca sultanate.
“While I appreciate Nizar’s gesture, I cannot help but point out PAS’ deafening silence on the matter.
“I am certain this is not due to a sudden surge in tolerance but rather because Najib is considered a ‘political friend,’ warranting a different set of rules,” he added.
Nga as Hang Tuah
Tajuddin also examined how PAS might have reacted if DAP leader Nga Kor Ming had dressed as an ancient Malay warrior like Hang Tuah, complete with a replica of a keris tucked into his waistband.
“In such a scenario, it is likely that outrage would have erupted, with accusations flying and emotions running high.
“The response would have been swift and intense - perhaps even reaching the point of public outcry, protests, and scores of police reports being lodged,” he added.
Nga, who serves as housing and local government minister, has frequently found himself targeted by PAS, often placing him at the centre of race and religious debates.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming
However, Tajuddin stated that he is willing to extend the benefit of the doubt to PAS, expressing hope that its newfound spirit of tolerance will be consistently demonstrated in all circumstances.
“To truly prove its sincerity and trustworthiness, PAS must ensure that its approach is fair and impartial, without any selectivity on this matter,” he added.
PAS and certain NGOs use racial and religious sentiments to mobilise support, and DAP, being a largely Chinese-majority party with a secular stance, has often been portrayed as a threat to Malay dominance and Islam, despite its repeated denials and inclusive policies.
The claim that Anwar is under DAP’s control is another narrative used by PAS and its allies to erode Malay trust in the coalition government.
These accusations reflect the ongoing struggle for the Malay vote, with PAS positioning itself as the defender of Malay-Muslim interests and attempting to weaken Anwar’s support base.
However, Tajuddin stated that he is willing to extend the benefit of the doubt to PAS, expressing hope that its newfound spirit of tolerance will be consistently demonstrated in all circumstances.
“To truly prove its sincerity and trustworthiness, PAS must ensure that its approach is fair and impartial, without any selectivity on this matter,” he added.
PAS and certain NGOs use racial and religious sentiments to mobilise support, and DAP, being a largely Chinese-majority party with a secular stance, has often been portrayed as a threat to Malay dominance and Islam, despite its repeated denials and inclusive policies.
The claim that Anwar is under DAP’s control is another narrative used by PAS and its allies to erode Malay trust in the coalition government.
These accusations reflect the ongoing struggle for the Malay vote, with PAS positioning itself as the defender of Malay-Muslim interests and attempting to weaken Anwar’s support base.
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