SHAH ALAM: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has shot down criticism that it was extremist and racist.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president Datuk Seri Faizal Azumu said PN had prioritised the people's well-being, regardless of race and religion when it was the ruling government.
"PN was not an extremist or a racist government, as what the (current) government is trying to label.
"We are a people-centric government that prioritised the people's interests, regardless of race and religion.
"(And) this can be seen through the tremendous growth in the country's economy post pandemic, which indicates the party's good track record when in administration," he said in his keynote address of Bersatu wings annual general assembly (AGM), here today.
Present during the launch were Bersatu vice-president Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Armada chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Srikandi chief, Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun and her deputy Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, among others.
Faizal, who is also Negeri Sembilan PN chairman, said PN through its component party, Bersatu and Pas, have also continued to be the main parties that champion the Malay struggle.
He added that despite attempts made by certain quarters to label PN as a 'Taliban' government, Bersatu has been more accepted by the majority of the Malays, compared to Umno as the former joined forces with Pas.
"The political enemies of PN are so eager to sabotage the cooperation (between Bersatu and Pas) and have intimidated the non-Malays by referring us to a Taliban government.
"(And) soon after we secured 74 seats in the 15th General Election (GE15), these quarters had also coined the 'green-wave' term in the hopes of intimidating the non-Malays as well as some urban Malay voters.
"Such stigmatisation is highly dangerous, will sow racism and can degrade certain races, hence, it must be stopped," he said.
Following this, Faizal said PN would continue to act as a check and balance to the government and continue to champion the people's voice.
"Despite being in the opposition, PN will ensure that we will take part in the country's development plan and prioritise the people's wellbeing.
"PN will also continue to address issues faced by the Malay community and matters relating to Islam."
