Pusat Komas applauds the Malaysian Armed Forces for carrying out appointments and promotions in a professional manner. This should also serve as a model for the entire civil service in Malaysia.
We also congratulate Lieutenant General Johnny Lim Eng Seng on his historic and well-deserved promotion, which represents a powerful reflection of what a meritocratic Malaysia would look like.
Unfortunately, this moment of pride has been used as a tool to politicise and racialise the appointment.
We strongly condemn the racist and provocative post made by Sungai Buloh Pas division chief Zaharuddin Muhammad, which distorts Lim’s appointment into a racial fear campaign. His dystopian ‘prediction’ of a future Chinese Malaysian prime minister is not only deeply offensive, but also dangerous.
Let us be clear:
- Lieutenant General Lim’s promotion should be a testament to his merit, commitment and patriotism – values that should unite, not divide us.
- How we choose our leaders must be grounded in democracy, meritocracy and equity. The Federal Constitution is clear: appointments to civil service and government leadership are not to be based on race or ethnicity but on trust, ability and service to the people.
- To suggest otherwise is a blatant attempt to mislead the public and reinforce harmful myths about who is ‘Malaysian enough’.
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Racism has no place in Malaysia – whether overt or veiled in ‘what if’ scenarios such as this.
Leaders with political integrity and the best interest of Malaysia at heart will not resort to such rhetoric, as all it does is deepen divisions.
If Pas truly believes in the principles of equality, justice and integrity as it often claims, it must take immediate action against such racially divisive behaviour within its ranks.
Pusat Komas calls on all responsible people and political leaders to reject the politics of fear.
We urge leaders and the public alike to work towards a future where everyone can take pride in each other’s achievements rather than be in fear them. – Komas
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
