Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has rejected PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s claim that Pakatan Harapan (PH) and DAP are spreading Islamophobia by using the term “green wave” to create fear towards the Islamic party.
Lim argued that the phrase “gelombang hijau” was first used by Hadi himself in 2018 following the 14th General Election (GE14), based on reports published by PAS’ official publication Harakah.
He said Hadi had used the term to describe PAS’ electoral gains in Perak and the party’s strong performance in Terengganu during GE14.
“These events happened four years before the 15th General Election (GE15). These are facts, not my interpretation,” Lim said in a statement.
Earlier, Hadi claimed that DAP began using the term “green wave” after PAS recorded significant victories in GE15 and became part of the administration in four states.
The PAS president said the term had created a negative perception towards the party and Muslims.
However, Lim said criticism against PAS should not be confused with an attack on Islam, stressing that political parties should remain open to scrutiny over their policies, track record and leadership.
He also pointed out that PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had previously stated that the party did not claim to represent Islam entirely.
“PAS cannot use religion as a shield against political criticism. Criticism towards the party should not be viewed as criticism towards Islam,” Lim said.
