NUMEROUS people have called on the Madani government to take drastic actions against politicians who fan the 3R (race, religion and royalty) sentiments, especially since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PMX) has given several stern warnings prior to the Aug 12 state polls.

If nothing is done, the situation in the country can only deteriorate further. Ilham Centre’s research director Dr Yusri Ibrahim, for example, calls it a “ticking bomb”.

If not addressed, Yusri fears that the heightened racial and religious sentiments will lead the country into more trouble.

Hiding their real intents

The recent controversy relating to the Merdeka logo and theme by three states, Perlis, Kedah and Kelantan may just be one of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders’ political gimmicks to show their open defiance against federalism.

However, this has irked National Patriot Association (PATRIOT) chairman Brigadier-General (Retired) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji that he openly urged the government to “take drastic action against this dangerous act and intent by PN”.

According to Arshad, the proposal was not only arrogant but also sowed anti-government sentiments in the country as it sends a “very dangerous signal and sets an implosive precedent”.

The proposal made by PN Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari was endorsed by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang. Although they later withdrew the idea at the eleventh hour - to most Malaysians - this was the sheer act of defiance by the three states under PAS.

In another video which went viral, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was seen punching a red boxing pillow after a yellow veil was unceremoniously removed.

Although the colours of the boxing pillow and veil can be given a different interpretation, it is obvious to the ordinary citizen that yellow is the colour symbolic of the Malay rulers while the red boxing pillow may signify Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) red.

It is unbecoming of the Jeneri state assemblyman to punch the boxing pillow several times. It is too obvious that it was a symbol of the PMX himself as he is the chairman of PH while and the yellow veil represents the royalty.

Sanusi should immediately apologise to both the Sultan and PMX for his unbecoming behaviour as a Menteri Besar, something which no other MBs in the past were known to have done.

If the colours can mean anything else, one would still ask, “Why did Sanusi demonstrate this boxing feat? What was the message that he wanted to convey to the young people?”

A number of other PAS campaigns that were staged out during the last general and state elections also contained hidden meanings which cannot be taken lightly. They are no longer coincidences that may have been “misinterpreted” by ordinary citizens.

For example, when they paraded with wooden swords and spears, one wonders if they were displaying their readiness to use real weapons on anyone considered as “enemies of Allah”.

Heed the Sultans

For this reason, His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Shah has decreed that firm action must be taken so that the veiled threats can be prevented from further escalating.

The Sultan of Perak had issued a stern warning last week that 3R issues - if sensationalised and politicised - can affect the country’s stability, development efforts and the economy if left unchecked.

Several other Malay rulers including the Sultans of Selangor, Johor and Pahang (who is currently the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong) have also voiced out strongly against the use of 3R polemics during the state elections.

None of the advice were, however, heeded by politicians who continued to harp on the 3Rs isses, namely twice former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang. - Aug 26, 2023

https://focusmalaysia.my/stern-action-necessary-to-curb-pas-metaphoric-dissent/