HATE speech has never been the solution for the people’s problems, which include low wages, high cost of living, and lack of equal opportunity, Lim Guan Eng said. 

The DAP chairman said this became evident when Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin added to PAS’ racist and extremist narratives by striking fear among Muslim voters of a Jewish- and Christian-led conspiracy. 

“The elections tomorrow will see a contest between PN and Barisan Nasional (BN) weaponising fear using hate speech and the hope of a better future inspired by Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“What the people want is for their government to respect the Federal Constitution and respect the people,” Lim said in a statement. 

Yesterday, in a one-minute-44-second clip that went viral on social media, Muhyiddin was seen telling an audience not to choose BN and not even touch or mark PH (for tomorrow’s polls).

“It is dangerous. PH is dangerous. Earlier, I read there was a video of a group of Jews talking about Malaysia,” the PN chairman said. 

“They were praying for Malaysia to fall into the hands of the opposition, who are sponsoring Jews and Christians.”

The former prime minister alleged that Muslims are visiting churches in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, adding that this is “dangerous”. 

“Apparently, they have entered Christianity. Is this a Christianisation process?” 

Lim said that in recent weeks, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and his party leaders have resorted to “red-tagging”. 

This, he said, refers to their continued accusation of DAP being communists as they are allegedly atheists and promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) practices. 

He also said the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has identified PAS leaders as among the main amplifiers of “divisive, racist, intolerant and hate-based” narratives. 

“CIJ disclosed that PAS have resorted to fear-triggering Muslim voters with phrases like ‘(you are) going to hell if you vote PH and BN’, and inciting violence against ‘kafir harbi (enemies of Islam)’. 

“(It has also been) calling Malays to unite and fight against the Chinese (DAP) and Indians during the reporting period.” 

Lim said during the campaign period, he listened to what the people want, which is for economic issues to be prioritised so they can lead better lives. 

“They want the government to encourage the rakyat to respect each other to unite the nation and create a harmonious society. 

“Only by preserving freedom can we enjoy equal opportunity. Only by establishing justice, can we live in dignity. 

“Only by pursuing good and clean governance can we enjoy prosperity. Only by upholding democracy can we ensure that the people, and not cash, are king.” – November 18, 2022.