DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang has identified two “traps” Pakatan Harapan must heed and not fall into: the continued use of race and religion by Barisan Nasional and dismissing the influence of Najib Razak’s attempts to dominate the social-media narrative.

Taking a cue from PH’s setback in the recent Cameron Highlands by-election, the Iskandar Puteri MP said the ruling coalition’s first loss in five by-elections since GE14 must not derail its plans to reform the country.

“It’s important that we do not allow such setbacks to deflect us from our main objectives that is, to build a new Malaysia where there is a clean government and rule of law plus a more united nation,” the 11-time MP told The Malaysian Insight on Friday.

“The line of race against race and religion against religion is to generate fear, hatred and distrust where in the end, Malaysia will end up as a failed state.

“PH must continue to have confidence in the future instead of falling into this trap. It must build greater trust, tolerance and respect between Malaysians regardless of race or religion and leverage on our diversity to become a top-class country,” said the 77-year-old.

At the same time, Najib is revving up his personal campaign, no matter that his trials are looming.

The former prime minister faces a total of 42 charges of corruption, abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and tampering with reports – all in relation to 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Najib will face the first of these charges, involving 1MDB subsidiary SRC International Bhd, on February 12.

The former Umno president helped BN in the Cameron Highlands by-election, which he used as a launch pad to kick off his campaign, dubbed “Malu apa bossku” (What’s there to be ashamed of, my boss) and is continuing his roadshow visiting Kedah and Langkawi over Chinese New Year.

His meet-the-people events at these places are uploaded onto his Facebook page.

PH must take Najib’s actions seriously and not underestimate their impact, Lim said.

“As far as Najib is concerned, he wants to avoid going to Sg Buloh (prison). 

“Whether it will save him or not, I’m (doubtful) but he must be taken seriously,” said Lim.

Najib is likely to strut again in the Semenyih by-election, which begins with nomination on February 16 and ends on March 2, polling day.

It will be the next arena where PH’s Bersatu will face the combined forces of Umno-BN and PAS.

While PH has been relying on the anti-corruption message employed in the general election last year, Umno and PAS used race and religious rhetoric to win votes against the federal government, as seen in the Cameron Highlands by-election.

In the by-election, Umno and PAS campaigned successfully in the Malay-dominated Jelai area, allowing BN to retain the federal seat.

While the Umno-PAS tie-up cannot be easily dismissed, Lim said PH and Malaysians should not despair.

“I think they are catering to a diminishing market and therefore, resorting to vicious and toxic politics of race and religion. 

“I believe, given time, we can send a message that most Malaysians would prefer a more successful, harmonious and united society. 

“I hope they (PAS-Umno) can see a way out to become more Malaysian. There is an important role for political Islam in Malaysia, a role which is open-minded and enlightened and not the reverse.

“But we must flexible and ensure that we don’t fall into the trap of dangerous politics.”

He said it is dangerous for the Malays to turn to Malay and Islamic nationalism and that BN and PAS are also courting danger by playing up such sentiments.

“The last elections (GE14) showed that the majority of Malaysians don’t believe in it and we must not allow a small group of desperate people make use of that line.”

PH has to assure all racial and religious groups that they have nothing to fear, he added.

“That their basic welfare will be advanced rather than denied and neglected.” – February 3, 2019.