PAKATAN Harapan (PH) candidate Suhaizan Kaiat said the “fatwa” (edict) issued by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhiyiddin Yassin, that it is forbidden to vote for unity government party candidates, as using religion for political gains.

Suhaizan said the act was inappropriate and as an experienced politician, Muhyiddin should not use halal and haram laws against his opponents.

“It is okay to be different in politics, that is not a problem. Not wanting to vote is not a problem. But do not use religious laws to run down your enemies,” he told reporters after a meeting with Chinese leaders at the MCA office in Pulai today, which was also attended by MCA president Wee Ka Siong.

Suhaizan was commenting on Muhyiddin’s statement at a talk for the Pulai by-election that it was a sin to vote for the latter.

The Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections were called after incumbent Salahuddin Ayub’s death on July 23.

Early voting is on September 5, with polling on September 9. – Bernama, September 3, 2023.