BUKIT MERTAJAM – A coalition of local youth organisations and volunteers linked to Human Resources Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim have lodged a police report against Sungai Buloh Pas chief Zaharudin Muhammad over a Facebook post they deemed racially provocative and seditious.
The groups took issue with Zaharudin’s now-deleted post, in which he alleged that the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme could ultimately lead to foreign visa holders becoming citizens and voting in elections.
In the same post, he speculated that a Chinese prime minister might be appointed by 2058, with parents who had allegedly gained citizenship through the MM2H scheme.
The post also featured a screenshot of a news article announcing Datuk Johnny Lim’s historic appointment as the first Chinese lieutenant general of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Although Zaharudin claimed the image was used merely for “illustration purposes” and unrelated to his point, the groups contended that its inclusion was a deliberate attempt to cast suspicion on the advancement of non-Malays within national institutions.
Police reports were lodged last night at the Seberang Perai Tengah district police headquarters by Kolektif Jalan Teruih, the Seberang Perai Tengah Youth Council, and Anak Muda Permatang Pauh.
They described Zaharudin’s post as “a racial satire that is seditious, touches upon racial sensitivity and tarnishes the image of national security institutions.”
“This act (by Zaharudin) is a form of provocation disguised as political satire which attempts to stir racial tensions in a cunning, irresponsible way,” the groups said in a joint statement.
“Malaysian troops should not be politicised as they are not ‘rhetorical tools’ of any particular group.
“They are the country’s last line of defence that should be respected, loved and defended upon – not to be made subjects of ridicule or symbols of false fears.”
The youth organisations were also joined in solidarity by the Persatuan Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia Seberang Perai Tengah.
“Their presence carries a huge message that the youths and former patriots are together in rejecting racial politics and defending the country’s dignity,” the groups added.
Sim has also urged authorities to take legal action against Zaharudin, saying Lim’s years of dedicated service should be recognised rather than questioned.
He described the Pas leader’s comments as “racist, seditious, and treasonous.”
In a Facebook post, the minister said Zaharudin’s remarks appeared to “undermine the Malaysian Armed Forces and the trust of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is the Supreme Commander.”
Amid growing criticism, Zaharudin claimed that his remarks had been misconstrued and has since threatened to initiate legal proceedings against both Sim and news aggregator World of Buzz. In response, Sim said he was prepared to be sued.
Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has distanced the party from Zaharudin’s remarks, saying the post does not reflect Pas’ stance.
He further warned that any party member whose actions threaten national harmony or unity will face disciplinary action. – June 27, 2025.