In an exclusive interview with FMT, Wan Saiful insisted that Perikatan Nasional (PN) did not play up racial issues.

Instead, he claimed PH often raises sensitive issues and hurls accusations at the Muhyiddin Yassin-led coalition, such as PN’s alleged extremist views and comparisons to the Taliban.

“We saw a large percentage of non-Malays voting for PH (in GE15), and when Malays wanted to vote for another party, PH labeled Malays racist,” he said.

“They (PH) live on non-Malay votes. They ‘survive and thrive’ by flaming racism, but (they) accuse us of playing up racial issues,” said the former Bersatu information chief.

PAS previously claimed that Malay support in the country was clearly behind PN while PH, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, only gained the support of about 19% of Malay voters in GE15.

However, Anwar claimed that PH obtained 31% of the Malay vote.

Change of strategy

Meanwhile, Wan Saiful said that “racial politics” cannot be eradicated as long as PH does not change its political strategy.

“If we want to move forward, PH needs to review its politics,” he said.

“Is this often-used strategy of accusing others of being racist good for the country?” he asked.

Wan Saiful also said that non-Malays’ concerns about being able to practice their religion and culture freely should not be dismissed, adding that they were “normal issues” to raise.

“Don’t make this an issue of race. Let’s not deny the rights of those who want to practice (their) religion.

“We need to defend the country’s diversity. This is our strength, not our weakness. Don’t turn this into something that can divide us.”