The Bukit Bendera MP also said elected representatives, including Siti Mastura Mohamad, must exercise extra caution as it was easy for comments to get distorted.

“It would be in the nation’s best interest for her to name this young candidate,” she told FMT.

Syerleena went on to say that by not naming the individual, it was akin to condoning such behaviour and attitude.

“And they are also protecting those who can harm unity in this country.”

Yesterday, Siti Mastura denied claims that she had described non-Muslim voters as “ingrates” in a widely shared video, saying her remarks were taken out of context.

In the 21-second clip, the Kepala Batas MP was shown saying some non-Muslim voters were ingrates as they came to PAS for help but refused to vote for the Islamic party.

Clarifying the video, Siti Mastura said she was actually telling a story about a claim allegedly made by a “young candidate”.

Syerleena said it was important for Siti Mastura to call out the candidate for allegedly uttering such reprehensible remarks in view of the political history of the constituency.

Former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was a Kepala Batas MP, had previously championed the cause of Islam through an intellectual approach recognised globally, commonly known as Islam Hadhari, that encouraged Muslims to be “progressive, modern and moderate” in their behaviour.

“Let’s not taint this concept with overzealous bigotry, as this is not the future we want for our nation.

“Neither is this the type of narrative we want our children to hear. In this modern era of social media, everything you say will become a matter of public record and will be judged in the court of public opinion,” Syerleena said.