“The state-level Aidilfitri celebrations should not be labelled as excessive, especially when the menteris besar of the three PN-led states, including Kedah, has agreed to join in the celebrations. “Efforts to get close to the rakyat across state borders should be a shared responsibility between the federal and state governments,” he said in a statement today. 

“Claims that the open house events are politically motivated are malicious in nature and meant to provoke the people’s hatred against the PM’s leadership.” Kamil was responding to PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan, who said the open houses were excessive, indefensible and a waste of money.

The PAS leader also accused the coalition government of “riding on religion” (menunggang agama) by “hijacking” the Hari Raya celebrations, which is an important annual Islamic event, to achieve its political objectives. Anwar previously denied the open house tour is motivated by upcoming elections in the six states, namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Penang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan - which must be held in a few months from now.  

Ineffective opposition

DAP central executive committee member Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali echoed Kamil, saying PN has run out of ammunition by blowing up the open house matter.

“The coalition’s three top honchos (Muhyiddin Yassin, Hamzah Zainudin and Abdul Hadi Awang) are constantly not present in Parliament to engage and debate with the prime minister. “It looks like even outside the Dewan Rakyat, they (PN) have no policy-related questions they can take on the PM with until they want to blow up this feast-related issue.

“This shows that PN has failed to play the role of an effective opposition, as promised,” he said in a statement.

‘Ask Media Prima’

Meanwhile, Kamil, who is also the PKR deputy youth leader, slammed accusations that the government had a part in the eleventh-hour cancellation of PN’s “takbir raya” which was to be broadcast on TV3, on the eve of Hari Raya. “Attempts to portray that the government had a role in the cancellation of PN’s takbir raya is a clear provocation meant to ruin Putrajaya’s reputation. 

“The government did not in any way influence Media Prima’s decision to cancel the programme. “If PN wants to get a reply on the ‘technical problems’ cited by TV3, they should refer to the TV station for clarification, instead of blaming the government for the cancellation.”

This was in response to Takiyuddin’s remark, urging the government to “come clean” on the reasons for the programme’s cancellation.

Dubbing the “technical problems” excuse as “odd and unacceptable”, Takyuddin urged TV3 and the government, particularly the Communications and Digital Ministry, to explain how there was no political interference to prevent the video from being aired. “The integrity of TV3 and the ministry depends on their readiness to be transparent and professional, especially in honouring contracts and promises that have been agreed upon formally,” he had said.

It was reported that PN secured a five-minute slot on TV3 for its takbir raya - the reciting of the takbir to mark Aidilfitri - to be aired on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri last Friday (April 21). A source at TV3 told Malaysiakini PN paid for the slot, which was scheduled for 10.20pm that day.

PN promoted the programme on social media but when the appointed time came, a TV3 livestream instead aired a drama along with a series of commercial advertisements, including a Hari Raya Aidilfitri greeting from Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Dr Suresh Kumar : This is an excellent strategy to show your face at least and earn some goodwill from the Malay heartlands. This may increase the Malay votes for AI. I have said numerous times that PH must engage with the Malay heartlands. Without a minimum of 30% Malay votes, PH will be at the mercy of UMNO in the so-called UG.