Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said religious bigotry in Malaysia had become more pronounced because of Pas.
He said Pas had gained a bit more confidence in recent years and anyone who disagreed with them were labelled as freemasons, pro-Israel or pro LGBT.
“That is the only rhetoric they have and we cannot afford to continue with this mudslinging.
“It should be Malaysia for all…all races,” he said in an interview with Bloomberg television.
On Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) chances in the coming general elections (GE15), Anwar said the alliance was confident of securing a simple majority and return to power.
“I have been on the ground, and yes it is a tight race but we can move further into the rural heartland to secure a simple majority.”
Anwar, 75, said PH will focus on stamping out corruption and wiping out a system that enriched the family members and cronies of elected leaders.
“This country has gone to the dogs precisely because of a corrupt leadership.
“Look at their families, children and in-laws all benefitting immensely from the coffers of the government,” he said.
Asked on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s willingness to work with him again to repeat their 2018 success of defeating Barisan Nasional (BN), Anwar said:
“You want me to work with him? He represents a purely Malay party that believes only Malay party leaders can lead this country.
“This is a major policy difference here. He continues to condone selective corruption…we cannot be seen under these circumstances to allow a system that enriches family and cronies.”
Anwar said he was campaigning hard on the corruption issue by making a firm commitment to Malaysians that graft among the country’s most powerful figures won’t be tolerated. – NST