PROGRESSIVE Democratic Party president Tiong King Sing has urged former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to stop confusing the people, especially over race, religion and royalty issues.

The tourism, culture and arts minister said leaders should emulate former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who has chosen to stay out of politics in his retirement and wishes the country well.

“I would like to ask Dr Mahathir to learn from Abdullah, who has chosen to keep quiet after stepping down. Until today, he has not made any noise.

“Instead, he is praying for our country. Why can’t Dr Mahathir stay quiet?” he asked when speaking at a unity dinner with the Chinese community in Taman Bukit Indah in Johor Baru last night.

Also present were Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Pulai parliamentary by-election, Suhaizan Kaiat.

Tiong, the Bintulu MP, also said Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin should not resort to religious rhetoric, which can create misunderstandings as Malaysia is both multiracial and multireligious.

“Now, we (also) see and hear all sorts of stories from PAS. PAS seems to be suggesting that there is only one race and one religion in Malaysia.

“Maybe Muhyiddin has forgotten that Malaysia is country of different races and religions. There must be mutual respect. Do not instigate people just because you want their votes,” he added.

Tiong also urged the people to give time and space to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to rejuvenate the country’s economy.

Last Saturday, Muhyiddin said at a ceramah at Dataran Utama Kempas it was “haram” (sinful) to vote for Suhaizan in the by-election. – Bernama, September 5, 2023.