KUALA LUMPUR – Lim Guan Eng has labelled PAS’s decision to proceed with its pro-Datuk Seri Najib Razak rally as an “irresponsible, unprincipled, hypocritical, and opportunistic” move, reiterating his accusation that the party is putting on a political tactic akin to the ones in the TV show “Squid Game” to “grab power at all costs”.
The rally, planned for January 6 outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, persists despite a royal decree emphasising the King’s prerogative on pardons and a clear warning from the Inspector-General of Police.
In a press statement today, the DAP chairman criticised PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and the party’s leadership for ignoring the decree and the police advisory.
He claimed their actions threatened Malaysia’s socio-political stability and economic well-being, as they allegedly sought to eliminate political opponents by dishonest means, including their occasional ally, Bersatu.
“Only a disciple of Squid Game will dare to disobey and defy a royal command followed by a warning from the police,” Lim asserted.
Squid Game is a South Korean series where financially desperate people compete in deadly children’s games for a huge cash prize. The show goes into the themes of inequality, survival, and human nature under extreme pressure.
Yesterday, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said that DAP was the “actual contestant” struggling to survive in a political Squid Game – a direct response to Lim’s earlier statement where he first used the Squid Game analogy, accusing playing a dangerous political game of such nature.
“(PAS is playing) a high-stakes political game aimed at eliminating political enemies in order to seize power by any means, even if it jeopardises the Federal Constitution, the people’s livelihoods, and national unity,” Lim stated yesterday.
Fadhli argued that DAP’s actions, including joining the unity government, indicated a willingness to sacrifice principles for political survival.
“DAP, who once criticised kleptocracy, now chooses silence for cabinet positions,” Fadhli said.
Fadhli also justified PAS’s support for Najib, framing it as a commitment to ensuring justice rather than endorsing wrongdoing.
“PAS does not defend wrongdoings but fights for justice,” he said, adding that Najib, like any other citizen, is entitled to fair treatment under the law, including opportunities for a pardon if legal criteria are met.
Takiyuddin reinforced this stance by saying: “The solidarity gathering for Najib in no way contradicts the royal decree or the Constitution. It is aimed at defending the King’s prerogatives from manipulation and lack of transparency.”
Responding to Fadhli, Lim questioned PAS’s moral and creative consistency, mocking their use of the Squid Game analogy. He speculated whether PAS leaders, with their typically conservative stance, would even approve of the show, given that their views might deem such a series “haram.”
He also dismissed Fadhli’s accusations of hypocrisy, arguing that DAP’s involvement in the unity government was a direct response to a royal command, contrasting it with PAS’s defiance of royal directives.
“DAP abides by the King’s decree to form a unity government, unlike PAS, who defies it for political expediency,” Lim remarked.
Responding to Fadhli’s accusation of DAP of being dominated by a “Lim dynasty” and suggesting that recent events served as a ploy to maintain their influence within the party, Lim said that leadership decisions within DAP are democratically determined by party members.
“Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang has retired from active politics, and I am no longer the secretary-general. Our leadership is now in the capable hands of Anthony Loke,” Lim clarified, contrasting it with PAS’s leadership, where Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang remains president with no signs of relinquishing power.
The pro-Najib rally, originally organised by Umno, was cancelled following a royal reminder and police warnings. PAS, however, has decided to proceed, with Takiyuddin asserting that the gathering does not disrespect the royal decree or the Federal Constitution. He said that the rally aims to uphold the King’s powers and ensure transparency in the pardon process.
“Najib has been forced to go through the courts due to manipulations by certain parties in power,” Takiyuddin claimed, underscoring PAS’s narrative of seeking justice.
Lim Guan Eng highlighted that the royal decree explicitly underscored the King’s prerogative and the role of the Pardons Board. He criticised PAS for exploiting the issue, claiming it demonstrated their willingness to jeopardise national interests for political gain.
He also underscored DAP’s commitment to the unity government, arguing that it was formed in deference to the royal directive for political stability.
“Contrary to PAS’s greed for power, DAP is willing to share power as commanded by the King,” Lim said. – January 4, 2025
