ALOR STAR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's remarks about non-Muslims being corrupted is a projection of the alliance's corrupt nature, says Kedah Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar.
He said Sanusi was probably trying to cover up PN's corrupt practices, following Pas's decision not to appeal against the election petition result for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat.
"Do not attempt to hide the court decision that nullified the election result due to the candidate's use of money politics to secure votes.
"Pas has decided not to appeal, this proves that they are corrupt. This fact is acknowledged by Pas itself since it is not appealing," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.
Mahfuz, who is also Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice-president, added that when innocent people are accused of wrongdoing, they would usually go all out to prove themselves.
Sanusi, during the 'Keluar Sekejap' talk show together with Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan which aired last night, said it is a true fact that non-Muslims are the ones who get arrested the most for giving and receiving bribes.
Sanusi is also caretaker Kedah menteri besar.
On June 27, the Terengganu election court annulled the victory of Ahmad Amzad Hashim, who represented Pas in GE15.
It ruled that the petitioner, Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Mohd Zubir Embong, had succeeded in proving that corruption had taken place with the aim of influencing voters.
On July 8, Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said Pas would not appeal against the decision to ensure that the people are not neglected in the absence of an MP pending the case.
Mahfuz said true Muslim leaders would not cover up their shortcomings by targeting non-Muslims and playing the blame game would be counterproductive in fighting graft.
"Such statements could be seen as justifying corruption among our own Muslim community because other groups are also guilty of being corrupt.
"That is not the correct way. What matters now is how we can eradicate corruption among all racial groups in this country," he added.
Meanwhile, Kedah DAP chairman Tan Kok Yew said Sanusi should not use his position as a state leader to create more divide.
"I don't believe him when he says Malay leaders from PN are trying to help harmonise the country.
"It's clear that the Federal Government intends to unite all groups. We respect Islam but we also respect others as what's most important is the stability of the country and economy," he added.