VKK Raja, a member of the party’s central executive committee, said rhetoric that pits Malaysians against each other based on race or religion undermines Malaysian values and has no place in society.

He also said such criticism distracts Malaysians from more pressing matters such as strengthening the economy, improving education, and ensuring fairness and opportunities for all.

Raja said questioning religious or cultural celebrations not only creates division and distrust, but also threatens to weaken the fragile social fabric that unites Malaysians.

“Those who criticise such celebrations fail to see the bigger picture. In a diverse nation like ours, inclusivity is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he said in a statement.

“For leaders who question these celebrations, one must ask: what kind of Malaysia do they envision?

“A nation fractured by distrust and suspicion? How can leaders who dismiss acts of inclusivity claim to represent the interests of a multiracial country?

“Such rhetoric risks creating divisions that will only harm the future of our nation.”

He said Malaysians must stand against divisive narratives and reject any attempt to stoke fear or hatred in the name of politics.

PAS Youth vice-chief Hanif Jamaluddin recently took issue with a Christmas celebration organised by the housing and local government ministry as it involved Muslim staff.

Hanif said the minister, Nga Kor Ming, should understand that Muslims were prohibited from getting directly involved in celebrations of faiths that went against Islamic teachings.

A ministry source told FMT it did not force any of its staff to attend the Christmas function.

The source said the carollers who performed at the event were East Malaysian Christians, and that the Christmas carols sung were secular in nature, like “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”.