We'll prove you wrong, PN tells Guan Eng after 'green wave' warning

Perikatan Nasional (PN) today challenged recent remarks by DAP leader Lim Guan Eng warning of an assault on basic rights if the coalition takes over Penang in next month's state election, calling it a desperate move and an attempt to disturb racial and religious harmony in the country. 

"God willing, PN will prove that what Lim said was racist and anti-Islam if it is given the chance to govern the six states facing elections," its component party Bersatu added. 

Lim, DAP's national chairman, was initially quoted as saying in a report by China Press that temples would be destroyed and basic rights exploited if the "green wave", a phrase used to describe PN's surprise gains at the last general election, took over the administration of Penang. 

The report was later amended to refer to Indian temples instead of Buddhist, although the bulk of his other attacks was retained. 

A number of police reports have since been lodged against Lim, with Bukit Aman saying yesterday that an investigation had been opened under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505b of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.

Penang Bersatu information chief Rasman Farish Shamsuddin said the "misguided and misleading accusations" of PAS being a racist party and Penang disappearing should PN come to power were "enough to prove how shallow" DAP, which he described as a chauvanist party, was. 

"It is now proven that Lim's latest statement that touches on Islam are closely related to the 3R currently prohibited by the government," he added, referring to issues related to race, religion, and royalty.   

"Islam has never taught its followers to oppress other religions." 

Calling for action to be taken against the DAP leader, Rasman said that the state governments of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu which are under PAS or PN rule, had been able to ensure harmony among the various races without any discrimination. 

"In Kelantan, for instance, the largest statue of Buddha is still standing and has never been demolished," he said. 

"Lim's remarks are a desperate move ahead of the state elections to come.

"Malaysians should reject leaders and parties that disrupt racial and religious harmony in the country."