PETALING JAYA: A PAS division leader has come under fire from political leaders for suggesting that Malaysia will have its first Chinese prime minister by 2058 following the appointment of Major General Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng as the first Chinese senior officer as Lieutenant General.
Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharudin Muhammad, in a now-deleted Facebook post, shared a news report of Lim’s appointment and a scenario where, in February 2058, Malaysia finally appoints its first Chinese prime minister.
PKR Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, meanwhile, said Zaharudin’s statement was malicious in nature.
“Something that should have been a source of pride, (has been) turned into a matter that could incite animosity and hatred.
“Islam does not endorse such views. The prejudicial behaviour clearly shows how some views are so narrow and shallow, that only aims to stoke racial sentiments and hatred,” said Muhammad Kamil in a posting on X on Wednesday (June 25).
Human Resources Minister and Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim said he was upset by Zaharudin’s remarks, as Lim’s appointment is being disputed, merely because he was Chinese by ethnicity.
“It is sad that Lim was insulted and it is sad that the PAS leader has also insulted thousands of other Malaysians who are braving the sun and rain, sleeping in jungles and at our borders just to sacrifice for this nation.
“When the enemy’s bullets come, it does not ask whether our soldiers are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or Orang Asli. But when appointments are announced, some place more emphasis on race than sacrifice for the country,” said Sim.
Sim also said Zaharudin’s remarks appear to undermine the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Armed Forces.
Sim also called for legal action against Zaharudin for uttering such remarks.
“Let this be a lesson to politicians that no matter what party you are from, never stoke racial flames,” said Sim.
In the now-deleted Facebook post, Zaharudin said it was possible to have the first Chinese prime minister in Malaysia within 30 to 40 years from now.
Lim, a Melaka-born officer, had served in the military for 41 years and said he had joined the army in 1984 to help in the effort against communist insurgents.
