In a statement, the deputy housing and local government minister called out the “defenders of race and religion” from PAS and Umno for not showing concern over the alleged abuses of power in the Tabung Haji and 1MDB cases.
“They do not view the financial issues with great concern when the culprits are their fellow Islam and Malay defenders.”
The former Kuala Terengganu MP said Tabung Haji involved small-time Malay businessmen, as well as poor farmers and fishermen, and that abuses of power could result in billions in losses and make these people poorer and suffer more.
“The massive financial losses of Mara, Felda, 1MDB and now Tabung Haji did not lead to PAS and Umno gathering and holding a rally. These are real losses which have happened and are generally acknowledged as being critical.
“Where are the defenders of Islam and the Malays? Why are there no protests and objections?”
Instead, Raja Kamarul noted that a large gathering was organised despite the government’s assurance that it would not ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
Last week’s anti-ICERD rally, which was attended by top PAS and Umno leaders, saw tens of thousands throng the city’s capital to voice their objection to the convention.
“RUU 355 has been debated and postponed three times in Parliament and a large gathering in Padang Merbok was organised purportedly because Pakatan Harapan was in the way of RUU355,” Raja Kamarul said in reference to PAS’ push to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.
“Today, after the 14th general election, the issue has gone quiet. Will ICERD face the same fate?” he asked, also questioning if PAS and Umno supporters could not see through the “acting” of their leaders.
He said the losses suffered by Mara, Felda and Tabung Haji were a “tragedy” for poor Malays and Muslims, and that these were due to the recklessness and abuse of power by Malay Muslims, and not the UN, Chinese or Indians.
“This is a tragedy of Malay Muslims betraying Malay Muslims from Umno, and PAS is silent and not interested in defending its own people. And they say ‘Hidup Melayu’.”