Amanah central committee member Sany Hamzan dismissed the claim by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang that Malay leaders in the government were weak for not reprimanding DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok.

The Seputeh MP had questioned the proposal to make halal certification mandatory for food establishments that do not serve pork and alcohol.

Sany said Anwar reprimanded Kok over her statement and called for her party to raise the matter in the Cabinet meeting.

“If that’s not strong enough, look at the statements from the Umno Youth chief – how much stronger can it get?” he told FMT, referring to Akmal’s criticism of Kok that led her to file a RM25 million lawsuit against the Umno man.

Sany, who is Hulu Langat MP, claimed that PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN) are grappling with internal issues, and Hadi is attempting to shift the focus from their problems, including the sedition charges against PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin.

During the PAS Youth muktamar on Thursday, Hadi claimed that Malay parties in the unity government are ineffective in handling non-Muslim coalition partners, including on the halal certification issue, leading to increased arrogance among some members.

Meanwhile, Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi pointed out that Hadi had remained silent when Muhyiddin allegedly questioned the authority of the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a ceramah in the run-up to the Nenggiri by-election.

He said Umno, with its extensive experience, has a methodical approach to resolving issues through rational discussion and appropriate platforms, like Cabinet meetings.

“Loke Siew Fook (is among) DAP leaders who are more rational and open to discussion. He is not arrogant. Compared with Sanusi Nor or Azmin Ali, the difference is like day and night,” Puad said.

“Kok’s mistake was that she misunderstood the religious affairs minister’s statement and subsequently made comments that (allegedly) offended Muslims.”