In a post on the X social media app today, he commented on the current spat between DAP and PAS after a PAS member levelled the term at members of DAP at a recent ceramah for the Nenggiri by-election.

Zaid called on Anwar to personally explain why using the term against Chinese people is wrong. Demands for apologies or bans on speech are not enough, he said.

“A good education is the only solution, but the leader, Anwar, has to lead the way,” he said.

The term was used in a video clip nearly two minutes long of the ceramah, in which the master of ceremonies can be heard saying: “Do you know what kafir harbi is? Who is kafir harbi in Malaysia? DAP.”

The ceramah was attended by notable figures including Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman and Muafakat Nasional chairman Annuar Musa.

The term kafir harbi was allegedly used against the DAP in 2016 by then Pahang mufti Abdul Rahman Osman. However, he later said he had not used the term against the DAP but had only agreed with a question on use of the term.

Zaid said those who use the term “harbi” probably do not know its origin or proper meaning and context.

“In the early years of Islamic history, wars were conducted between countries under Islamic leadership and those who were not. Countries under Muslim rule were known as dar al-Islam (territories of Islam), and those who were not as dar al-harb (territories of war).

“Today, the Chinese (including DAP) are part of one Muslim country called Malaysia. To use the term ‘harbi’ for the Chinese is plain wrong; the Chinese are not foreigners, and they are not waging war with a Muslim country,” he said.

Zaid said PAS followers need to be educated about the proper use of Islamic terms and the meaning of democracy and religious freedom.

“Our schools have failed to counter religious extremism by offering adequate education in the Federal Constitution, our history and Islamic concepts,” he said.