CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Rantau assemblyman and acting Umno president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan should be setting an example for future generations, instead of using racism to help Barisan Nasional win the by-election, says Pakatan candidate M. Manogaran.
He said this after visiting the Sri Subramanniar Temple in Ringlet here for Thaipusam celebrations, where he was asked about accusations made by Mohamad during a night ceramah in Jelai on Jan 20, alleging that the Malay community and Islam had been “undermined” since the May 9 general election.
“When they play up racial issues and call DAP ‘communist’, they only shame themselves. Our leaders and rulers have also emphasised harmony among Malaysians.
“Just for the sake of winning this by-election, you don’t have to play up racial issues,” Manogaran said.
Stating the by-election was not a contest between ethnic groups, but between Pakatan, Barisan and two independent candidates, Manogaran called on Malaysians, and especially Cameron Highlands residents, to take the opportunity of Thaipusam to come together.
When asked about the misuse of government property, following a viral photo of a Pahang Forestry Department pick-up truck draped with a Pakatan flag, Manogaran said he agreed that government machinery should not be used, and Pakatan would stop any such use if abuse took place.
“We will stop it immediately, not just machinery or vehicles, but whatever is not in line with the guidelines and laws, we must stop it if it has happened.
"This also applies to the opposition, where there have been instances of breaking guidelines as well,” said Manogaran.
When asked whether providing food in conjunction with Thaipusam constituted “treating” voters, Manogaran pointed out that the food provided was to the general public, including tourists and the workers at the Pakatan stall along the Tapah-Cameron Highlands road were not specifically identified voters.
“And this is our tradition, so it is not connected, because this is something to do with our festival,” Manogaran added.
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