JOHOR BARU: Do not demonise the "Green Wave" as threatening the nation's stability; instead, regard it as a Malay-Muslim resurgence.

Pasir Gudang member of Parliament Hassan Abdul Karim, said the green wave sentiments should be viewed positively.

"Perikatan Nasional's (PN) "green wave" has garnered support from Malay Muslims in six states exceeding 75 per cent, so it should not be considered a threat to national sovereignty.

"Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's statement, respecting the people's decisions in the recent state elections in six states, is correct and responsible.

"The unity government supported by Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), and other political parties, totalling 19 parties in all, needs to introspect and engage in self-criticism.

"PH and BN should inquire why Malay Muslims in the eastern and northern states (Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis) rejected them and chose PN," the PKR member said.

He claimed despite the government's campaign and propaganda via government-owned mass media, mainstream private newspapers and TV, and distribution of financial allocations and multi-billion-ringgit projects during the campaign period, Malay Muslims in the eastern and northern states continue to reject PH and BN.

Hassan said economic issues and the government's injustice were why they were rejected.

"The poverty rate in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis is among the highest, even since the country gained independence.

"These four Malay-Muslim majority states have been left behind in economic development, industrialisation, agricultural development, and virtually all types of physical and material development compared to other states.

"Anwar's unity government did not cause this but the fault of the federal government led by BN-Umno for more than 60 years of neglecting the Malay-Muslim states in the east, especially Terengganu and Kelantan.

"The anti-federal government sentiment brewing for decades has convinced them that the government is unfair to Kelantan.

"Even allocation of government funds is not done fairly and equally," he said.

Hassan said he had been harping for MPs to be treated fairly even during the PH government under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's leadership during the 14th Parliament session.

"The appeal was not heeded, and Mahathir's government lasted 22 months. Calls for Anwar's unity government to be fair to all, including the 74 PN MPs who are now in the opposition bloc, have been voiced since the start of the 15th Parliament seating after GE-15. However, it is yet to materialise.

"People in PN led-states realised they had been marginalised and perceived the government as mistreating them. They translated their frustrations into votes to PN.

"If the Madani vision is earnestly implemented throughout the country, with a fair and inclusive approach practised from top to bottom, eventually, Malay Muslims across the nation, including those in the eastern and northern states, will be open to change.

"There is no need to fear or panic about the "green wave." It's a political phenomenon, not a spectre or ghost," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/08/944996/green-wave-malay-muslim-resurgence-not-threat-says-mp