In a statement, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan described the statements by senior DAP leaders as “highly inappropriate” and capable of causing tension and disharmony in society.

“The raising of such matters by a senior leader of a component party of the unity government creates confusion and suspicion over the government’s policies and direction, consequently eroding the level of trust in its leadership,” he said.

Takiyuddin was referring to DAP’s Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, who had urged the government to reinstate local elections starting with Kuala Lumpur.

“As a former member of the Pakatan Harapan government administration, Tan should be more aware and sensitive to the current government’s position and policies,” he said.

“Unless his statement is a mere DAP charade, local government development minister Nga Kor Ming should play a crucial role.”

The Kota Bharu MP also said lessons should be learnt from history, recalling the purpose of abolishing local elections nationwide over 50 years ago.

“It was aimed at avoiding the dominance of local governments by a single ethnic group to prevent potential tension and disharmony among different communities,” he said.

Noting DAP’s domination over parliamentary seats in Kuala Lumpur, Takiyuddin asked whether local elections would lead to a single ethnic political image.

“This further confirms the concerns of many, especially Malays, about the true intentions of DAP and whether it is sincere about upholding national interests and priorities or only prioritising its ideological and parochial interests,” he said.

Takiyuddin added that Tan’s demands contradicted Lim Kit Siang’s rejection of a single ethnic political image, a core part of the DAP veteran’s dream of a non-Malay being appointed as prime minister.

Lim’s remarks, made in a speech last month to Malaysian students in the UK, had stirred debate across the political divide with opposition MPs arguing that only a Malay can become the prime minister.