PAKATAN Harapan will not take the easy route of sowing fear to win support in the next general election, said chief secretary Saifuddin Abdullah.

 “We don’t want to do it because we don’t believe in it. We won’t go that low and we have a lot of respect for voters’ dignity.

“If fear is raised, it will be because it is legitimate, such as the fear of the goods and services tax or a repeat of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd and National Feedlot Corporation scandals.

“(Fear-mongering) is not our intention or strategy. But there is a legitimate fear of wastage and corruption,” said Saifuddin in Shah Alam, today.

He was speaking at the forum, Overcoming a culture of fear in GE14, organised by Institut Darul Ehsan. The forum was moderated by Fahmi Samsudin and featured speakers  Saifuddin, Institute of Electoral Studies & Advancement of Democracy (IESAD) researcher Prof Dr Hamdan Mohd Salleh and Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah. 

Saifuddin said that a culture of fear existed, particularly among Malays with regard to DAP.

“On the ground we still encounter Malays who think DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang will be prime minister if Pakatan wins. And all this is after Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been named Pakatan’s candidate for prime minister,” said Saifuddin.

The biggest fear of Malays is that their rights and Islam rights would be eroded, and this is what Pakatan’s opponents are playing up, he added.

Maria said the culture of fear existed as Malaysians had been taught not to question the authorities.

“When I was in Bersih, we were constantly attacked and labelled Israel supporters, anti-Islam and anti-government. And we had to respond to them every day.”

Fear was also spreading, she said.

 “Added to the poorer mood now, a 90% voter turnout can change the situation,” said Maria.

“If people don’t come out to vote, we are giving in to the culture of fear. And the government will further this culture and instil more laws to stifle voices against the government.” – March 1, 2018.