Azmin irked by ‘biawak’ reference

SHAH ALAM: PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang should not resort to using “unhealthy words” when describing the party’s ties with Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, said Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

He was commenting on the “biawak hidup” (monitor lizard) analogy used by Abdul Hadi when commenting on PAS cooperation with BN or Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming 14th general election.

“Such a (reference) should not be uttered as it is not appropriate. We should instead be using better words and have respect for each other,” said Mohamed Azmin, who is also PKR deputy president.

“Even when we are debating against an enemy, there is no need for us to resort to the usage of unhealthy words,” he told reporters after attending the opening of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly meeting yesterday.

Abdul Hadi had reportedly compared BN and Pakatan Harapan to monitor lizards, which brought problems and diseases to the country.

Despite straining ties with Pakatan Harapan, PAS remains a part of the Selangor government alongside its former ally, DAP.

However, continuous confrontation on a national level with PKR lately has cast doubt over the stability of the state government.

On motions by several PAS division to cut political ties with PKR, Mohamed Azmin said it is part of the democratic process in any party.

He said difference of views should be respected by all.

“PKR, whether on national, state or branch level, had never cut ties with its friends,” he said.