DAP Malay leaders rebut PAS president over religious rhetoric

Four senior Malay members of the Democratic Action Party have launched a sharp critique of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, accusing him of weaponising religious discourse to advance political interests. The DAP representatives argued that the PAS leader's statements constitute a form of divisive rhetoric that misuses Islam as a tool for electoral gain rather than serving genuine faith-based concerns.

The exchange reflects ongoing tensions between the two parties, which have competed for support among Malaysia's Muslim-majority electorate. The DAP figures contended that exploiting religious sentiments for political mobilisation undermines the authentic practice of faith and polarises communities along partisan lines.

The rebuke from the DAP's Malay representatives carries particular significance given the party's efforts to position itself as a multiethnic, inclusive political force. By directly engaging with accusations of divisive religious rhetoric, the four leaders sought to counter perceptions that criticism of PAS necessarily derives from non-Muslim sources.

The controversy highlights the delicate balance Malaysian political actors navigate when addressing religious matters, particularly in a multiconfessional society where religious sentiment remains a potent force in electoral competition.