AFTER increasing funds to support Islamic affairs development in Penang since 2008, the Pakatan Harapan government is again accused of neglecting the Chinese, in favour of the Malays, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

This, he said, is the curious situation faced by the DAP-led administration, which has often been labelled “anti-Islam” and “anti-Malay” by political rivals. 

“We are always accused of being ‘anti-somebody’,” Lim said today.

He pointed out that when the state provided more allocation for Islamic affairs development, MCA would accuse the Pakatan Harapan administration of neglecting non-Muslims.

At the same time, the administration is also labelled “anti-Islam” and “anti-Malay” by Umno, and now former Pakatan ally, PAS, he said.

Citing a Sinchew Daily report on February 7, Lim said Penang MCA chairman Tan Teik Cheng slammed the state government for “taking Chinese votes but only taking care of the Malays. The Chinese are losing out”.

“Yes, it is true, Penang under PH has increased allocation for Islamic affairs development since 2008 by nearly 100%. From 2008 to 2016, we set aside RM457.05 million. Was that wrong?

“If that is not wrong, why didn’t Umno and PAS criticise Tan for making a racist statement? Why have they not taken an interest in his statement?” he said at a press conference today.

Lim said that was the “two-faced” game Barisan Nasional was playing, adding that PAS seemed to have joined it.

“Clearly, there are double standards. PAS is the same now, defending BN and not speaking the truth. Perhaps, PAS itself is also a chauvinistic party.”

Tan confirmed he made the remark when delivering a speech at a Chinese New Year event in February. He, however, declined to comment on Lim’s remarks today. – May 3, 2017.