KUALA LUMPUR – PAS has strongly criticised DAP’s Tony Pua over his response to the advice and royal decree issued by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, saying the remarks could further inflame racial and religious tensions in the country.
In a statement today, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the party viewed seriously the response made by the former Damansara MP regarding the Sultan’s reminder on respecting the foundations of the Federal Constitution, preserving racial harmony and protecting sensitivities that unite Malaysia’s multiracial society.
Takiyuddin said the Sultan’s decree should be understood “through the lens of national responsibility and moderation” so that no party acts or makes statements that could worsen racial sentiments, erode social harmony or weaken respect for the nation’s core institutions and historical foundations.
“Tony Pua’s careless response to the royal decree has unfortunately heightened public anxiety and triggered another unnecessary controversy at a time when racial and religious tensions are already high,” he said.
PAS stressed that any statement involving the institution of the Malay Rulers must be made carefully and respectfully, in line with the constitutional, historical and cultural role played by the Malay Rulers in safeguarding national stability and sovereignty within Malaysia’s democratic framework.
Takiyuddin added that the latest episode could not be viewed in isolation from wider public disputes involving issues such as the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), the use of the Chinese language in official government documents, pig farming in Selangor, and debates surrounding the Federal Constitution, national education policies, the National Language, as well as religious and racial matters.
He also accused certain parties of being selective in their respect for the monarchy.
“Rejecting or questioning royal decrees while hiding behind constitutional supremacy or interpretations of constitutional monarchy when it does not suit one’s interests, but accepting and upholding them when they align with personal interests, only exposes hypocrisy and opportunism,” he said further.
Takiyuddin added that although such issues may individually appear administrative in nature, continuous public confrontation and politicisation of sensitive matters would cumulatively deepen public anxiety, weaken trust between communities and worsen existing polarisation.
PAS also said the government and its leaders must not only govern effectively, but also be seen as capable of defending social stability, maintaining public confidence and placing national interests above partisan considerations.
“At a time when the country is facing economic pressures and global uncertainty, Malaysia needs leadership that nurtures public confidence and trust, not one that continuously sparks unnecessary controversies,” he said.
Earlier, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also condemned Pua’s remarks, describing them as “rude” and disrespectful towards Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy institution.
The controversy stemmed from a Facebook post by Pua, in which the former Damansara MP argued that Malaysia does not operate under a system where royal decrees are binding in every aspect of governance and public life.
He also called on Malaysians to better understand the principles of the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution, stressing that loyalty should be directed towards the concept of “Raja dan Negara” as enshrined in the Constitution, rather than solely to royal decrees.
Following the post, police launched an investigation into Pua after receiving 28 reports lodged nationwide.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri M. Kumar said authorities are investigating the case under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements conducive to public mischief, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. – May 21, 2026