“Let me be clear on this. We must stop this damaging narrative,” he told reporters after attending the annual general assembly of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) in Kajang.

“Focus on policy issues and stop attacking other parties (with such descriptions). It will create a ‘chaotic’ situation that could become impossible to control.”

He criticised such discourse, saying it was “unhealthy”.

Anwar also advised Pakatan Harapan leaders not to entertain those who use such a narrative, and instead to always voice out against it.

Yesterday, Mahathir was reported to have said that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang used to call Umno members infidels because the party worked with non-Muslim parties in Barisan Nasional, but was now “allowing PAS members to become infidels” themselves by partnering with Umno in Muafakat Nasional.

“PAS is opportunistic. When they see an opportunity, they put aside their principles.

“However, they say that they struggle for Islam, that they cannot work with infidels or they themselves will become infidels,” the former prime minister said.