KUALA LUMPUR – PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari is facing calls to issue a public apology after he posted a satirical cartoon involving animals on his Facebook page in reference to the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
DAP national vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan said that while the Pasir Mas MP has since deleted the post, this was insufficient.
“Ahmad Fadhli should apologise not only to the people of Thailand and Cambodia but also to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as the post was in poor taste,” he said in a statement on Facebook today.
“Thanks to PMX’s mediation, both countries have now agreed to a ceasefire. Just imagine if the opposition were in charge – Fadhli has already given us a glimpse of how Perikatan Nasional might respond to regional conflicts.”
Ahmad Fadhli came under fire after uploading a cartoon showing a monkey judge before a group of sheep and goats fighting over bananas – widely seen as a jab at Malaysia’s peacemaking role in the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. The post was later removed.
PKR deputy secretary-general Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad also condemned the post, calling it “crude” and “desperate”.
“This is not satire – it’s an insult to efforts that helped save thousands of innocent lives. Fadhli must apologise to the people of Thailand, Cambodia, and to the prime minister. Don’t hide behind the excuse of satire when it’s clearly cheap mockery,” he said.
He added that PAS appeared increasingly directionless and envious of Malaysia’s diplomatic success under Anwar’s leadership.
“Why such desperation and jealousy over a peace breakthrough? Isn’t this about saving lives? Does PAS want the world to view this so-called Islamic party as one that mocks peace efforts for the sake of petty politics?”
Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said Ahmad Fadhli’s analogy revealed the true face of PAS – one of hate politics, unable to distinguish between political rivalry and national dignity.
“Equating Malaysia with a ‘monkey’ in a regional conflict not only undermines national sovereignty but also insults the country’s globally recognised diplomatic efforts,” he said.
“Our nation is respected in Asean and internationally for its commitment to peaceful diplomacy – not for reckless interference as claimed by some,” he added. – July 29, 2025