Lim Guan Eng calls for unity to counter PAS and Umno’s racial, religious politics

Lim Guan Eng said the conclusion of the PAS Muktamar and Umno General Assembly had projected politics centred on religious and racial dominance without respecting the “basic spirit and fundamental tenets” of the Federal Constitution and the rule of law. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Sunday, 13 Sep 2026 5:11 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng has called on Malaysians to unite against what he described as the “dangerous brand of extremist politics” projected by PAS and Umno following their respective party gatherings.

In a written statement today, Lim said the conclusion of the PAS Muktamar and Umno General Assembly had projected politics centred on religious and racial dominance without respecting the “basic spirit and fundamental tenets” of the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.

He said PAS had reached “new lows” by publicly barring non-Muslims from prominent Cabinet positions, while Umno was openly working to undermine the government it was part of by trying to accelerate the collapse of the unity government to save its leaders.

“Malaysians must unite against this dangerous brand of extremist politics and prevent radical policies that can threaten the nation state embodied in the Federal Constitution,” he said.

Lim proposed 10 areas that he said could help counter PAS and Umno while fostering national unity in Malaysia’s multiracial society and greater integration between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

These include upholding the Federal Constitution and rule of law, defending democracy and the separation of powers, and protecting the autonomy of Sabah and Sarawak.

He also called for the constitutional rights of all Malaysians to be protected regardless of race, gender, religion or background, alongside measures to generate economic growth, cut red tape and reduce taxes, utility, compliance and regulatory costs.

Lim said economic benefits should be shared more equitably, particularly among the 17 million-strong workforce, through measures to reduce the cost of living and tackle “toxic rentier economic practices and crony capitalism”.

On education, he called for excellence and a merit-based curriculum with a single examination system to address Malaysia’s declining PISA rankings.

He also proposed greater protection for the natural environment and cultural heritage, basic healthcare for all, and wider access to affordable digital education and opportunities, alongside safeguards against scams and cyberbullying.

Lim said investment in physical infrastructure was also needed to provide good roads, strong public transport and reliable power and water supplies.