JOHOR BARU – Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Suhaizan Kayat described the “political fatwa” issued by Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yassin against voting for unity government party candidates as purely using religion for political gains.
Suhaizan said the act was inappropriate and as an experienced politician, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman should not use halal and haram (sinful) laws against political opponents.
“We cannot arbitrarily declare a political opponent haram because it will have grave consequences to our political system. I am afraid in the future anyone will be declared haram to suit one’s needs.
“It is okay to be different in politics, that is not a problem. Not wanting to vote is not a problem. But do not use religious laws to run down your enemies,” he told reporters after a meeting with Chinese leaders at the MCA office in Pulai today, which was also attended by MCA president Datuk Wee Ka Siong.
Suhaizan was commenting on Muhyiddin’s statement at a ceramah for the Pulai by-election that it was a sin to vote for PH’s candidate (Suhaizan).
The by-elections are being called due to the unexpected vacancy of the seats following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was also the domestic trade and cost of living minister, on July 23.
The Election Commission set the by-elections for the two seats to be held simultaneously, with early voting on September 5 and polling day on September 9. – September 3, 2023