PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, the president of Parti Amanah Nasional (Amanah), has dismissed the supposed threats against Islam and Malays as tales of “the ghost in the tree” which no one sees, but is feared.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister pointed out that these alleged threats were exploited by the Opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional to win seats in the last general and state elections through the “Green wave” – a shift of Malay votes to the Perikatan Malay-based parties.
Mohamad made these remarks on the second and last day of the Amanah national convention held in Klang, Selangor.
He emphasized that the issues of Islam being threatened and Malay rights not guaranteed are attractive to voters and were played by the Opposition to secure votes.
Using an analogy, he likened the situation to “saying there is a ghost in a tree and those who pass by under it feel scared even though they have never seen the ghost.”
Mohamad also highlighted the internal division within the Muslim community, stating that those calling others unbelievers are not from different religions but Muslims themselves against each other.
Addressing criticisms within his party, Mohamad acknowledged that it comes with being a leader and assured that he takes it all in his stride.
He referred to Amanah’s last-minute changes during the last general election to ensure that the Pakatan Harapan coalition won seats, even though Amanah had to give way to PKR.
Mohamad also expressed confidence in Amanah’s potential to win six or seven seats in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah in the next general elections, despite the challenges.
During his speech, he advocated for the proposal of local government polls, emphasizing that those elected should work for the people and not for their party leaders.
Last week, Federal Territories DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai had proposed to restore local council elections – which have been suspended since 1976.
It is important to note that Amanah is currently a ruling party at the federal level as part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
