KUALA LUMPUR: No gag order but check facts before you speak, says Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Bersatu president said this at the Parti Gerakan Nasional (Gerakan) Chinese New Year celebrations at its headquarters in Cheras on Wednesday (Jan 29).
At the event, Muhyiddin joined Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau, Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, PAS treasurer Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad and other leaders to toss the yee-sang.
He was asked by the media on the recent faux pas by Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria who linked Sports and Youth Minister Hannah Yeoh as the daughter of a Chinese tycoon linked to the YTL Group.
Muhyiddin said that it is pertinent that Perikatan leaders make sure that whatever they say will not stir unwanted sentiments among the many races in Malaysia.
“No such thing as a gag order but I expect Perikatan members to ensure that when they speak, they get the facts checked and (these statements) should not create unnecessary problems.
“I am not taking sides. Furthermore, in this Chinese New Year season, we have to emphasise on national unity and better understanding among different races in Malaysia.
“It is time Malaysians come together again and that this country is for all, as long as we are Malaysian citizens, we should respect each others’ sentiments - that is the representative of Perikatan that we are multi-racial,” said Muhyiddin.
The event showcased performances such as traditional musical performances and “Bian Lian” (face-changing).
At the event, Muhyiddin also joined Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau, Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, PAS treasurer Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad and other leaders to toss the yee-sang.
Lau, when met, said not all statements made by leaders of component parties necessarily represent the coalition.
“Everything said must be based on facts. You cannot claim to be innocent - and whatever statements are made, that person must be responsible and merely offer an apology the next day.
“Let us focus on more important issues than the politics of race and religion, such as healthcare access and the cost of living,” said Lau.
On Monday (Jan 27), Razman issued a statement apologising to Yeoh, stating he admitted that he had been wrong in linking her to YTL Corporation Bhd.
Yeoh, however, told Razman on X to wait for her lawyer’s letter. She said defamation cannot be allowed to become a habit, especially among religious people.
