Minister Steven Sim Stands Firm Against PAS Leader Zaharudin Muhammad's Racist Remarks

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has refused to back down from his accusations against Sungai Buloh PAS chief Zaharudin Muhammad, who had made a racist remark about Malaysian Armed Forces lieutenant-general Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng. Sim had defended Lim's long-standing service and described Zaharudin's attack as "racist, seditious, and treasonous." This controversy came after Zaharudin deleted a social media post in which he speculated that Malaysia's 50th prime minister in 2058 could be a Chinese individual, framing the scenario as a possible outcome of Lim's promotion.

Key Takeaways:

• Minister Steven Sim accused Sungai Buloh PAS chief Zaharudin Muhammad of making a racist remark about Malaysian Armed Forces lieutenant-general Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng.
• Zaharudin's post was deleted after he received hostile responses from alleged cybertroopers, and he claimed he was not afraid of any legal consequences.
• Sim defended Lim's promotion and described Zaharudin's attack as "racist, seditious, and treasonous."
• Zaharudin's remark also appeared to undermine the Armed Forces and the trust of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is the Supreme Commander.
• Lim's promotion marked a historic milestone, as he became the first ethnic Chinese officer to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general in the armed forces.
• Islamist party PAS has since distanced itself from Zaharudin's social media post, saying it was the personal opinion of the individual involved and "entirely contrary" to PAS' policies and values.
• PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's son-in-law threatened to sue Sim, but Sim said he was ready to face the legal consequences.
• World of Buzz was also mentioned in the escalating controversy, with Zaharudin accusing the portal of "spinning" his words.

Statistics:

• 50th prime minister: 2058
• Ethnic Chinese officers in the Malaysian Armed Forces: 1 (Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng)
• Ranks in the Malaysian Armed Forces: numerous
• Time period of the controversy: June 27

Sources:

• Malay Mail
• Malaysiakini
• World of Buzz