In a speech delivered in front of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who has come under criticism for blaming non-Muslims for running Malaysia’s politics and economy, Lau said that the country comprised people of various races, religions and cultures.

He made no reference to Hadi’s remarks in his speech, in which he said defending the rights of one race should not come at the expense of other communities.

“This is an understanding we must have,” he said at the PN Convention here.

“Can we respect all races and religions?” he asked the delegates, receiving a convincing “Yes!” in reply.

Gerakan and PAS are part of PN, alongside Bersatu and Sabah-based parties STAR and SAPP.

Last week, Hadi said that it was a fact that the majority of those involved in ruining the country’s politics and economy were non-Muslims and non-Bumiputeras.

Several parties, including the heads of Bersatu’s non-Muslim wing and STAR’s Youth wing, have criticised Hadi for his comments.

DAP members have also lodged police reports on the matter, saying the Marang MP’s comments had sown discord among Malaysians.