KUALA LUMPUR – A DAP senator has called out Perikatan Nasional (PN) component parties and allies for their silence over a controversial statement by Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim, who referenced the May 13 race riots during a Dewan Rakyat debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran described Awang’s remarks as inflammatory and irresponsible, saying such rhetoric undermines decades of nation-building and harmony.
“What’s more disturbing is the complete silence from PN-aligned parties and organisations,” he said in a statement today.
“Where are Gerakan, Urimai, the Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP), MIPP and others who claim to fight for multiracial dignity?”
On Monday, Awang sparked outrage in Parliament when he accused the 13MP of sidelining the Bumiputera community and warned against triggering another May 13-style incident.
Lingeshwaran said such language has no place in a modern democracy and questioned whether Awang had even read the policy document thoroughly.
“Is this a case of dereliction of duty, or just a cheap tactic to generate provocative soundbites for TikTok?” he asked.
He urged parties that align themselves with PN to take a clear stand, warning that continued silence would amount to complicity in racial provocation.
“It’s time to decide whether you stand for unity or tolerate division,” he said. – August 6, 2025