KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leaders have been urged to stop misleading their supporters with claims that the federal government could change hands if Perikatan Nasional (PN) wins the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election next month.
In a response to Kuala Krau member of parliament Kamal Ashaari's statement, which suggested that a PN victory in Kuala Kubu Baharu could lead to a change in the federal government, PKR deputy information chief Razeef Rakimin said: "His statement was superficial and aimed at deceiving his supporters while trying to trigger public anxiety.
"Does YB (yang berhormat) Kamal Ashaari believe that PN supporters are so naive to easily accept lies from PN leaders?
"How can a change in a single state assembly seat lead to a change in the federal government, especially when -- based on the number of seats in the Selangor assembly alone -- it cannot even change the state government?"
Razeef said Kamal's actions seemed to contradict the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, which calls for respecting the unity government and not disrupting it except through a general election.
"His statements also appear to be attempts to undermine the government's efforts in economic recovery and attracting investors, as investor confidence depends on governmental stability.
"Therefore, I urge opposition leaders to stop this narrow-minded politics and stop deceiving their supporters and the public."
In a video posted by Pas mouthpiece "Harakahdaily" on YouTube, Kamal said: "It is not impossible, if we win in KKB (Kuala Kubu Baharu), for the government to change according to current methods (PN's strategy), after we secure the KKB seat."
The Kuala Kubu Baharu seat became vacant on March 21 after its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, died of cancer.
In last year's Selangor state election, Lee helped DAP retain Kuala Kubu Baharu after she won a majority of 4,119 votes in a four-cornered contest.
Pakatan Harapan has named Pang Sock Tao as its candidate for the by-election, scheduled for May 11, with nominations set for April 27 and early voting on May 7.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the decision to field Pang, who is Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming's press secretary, was finalised after considering all of his qualifications.
PN is expected to announce its candidate tonight.
It was reported that the coalition will likely nominate Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia member Khairul Azhari Saut, who is Hulu Selangor division chief.
