PETALING JAYA, 26 JUNE 2025 – Pusat KOMAS applauds the Malaysian Armed Forces for carrying out appointments and promotions in a professional manner. This should also serve as a model for the entire civil service in Malaysia. We also congratulate Lt Gen Johnny Lim Eng Seng on his historic and well-deserved promotion, which represents a powerful reflection of what a meritocratic Malaysia would look like.
Unfortunately, this moment of pride has been used as a tool to politicize and racialize the appointment. We strongly condemn the racist and provocative post made by Sungai Buloh PAS division chief, Zaharuddin Muhammad, which distorts Lt Gen Johnny Lim’s appointment into a racial fear campaign. His dystopian “prediction” of a future Malaysian Chinese Prime Minister is not only deeply offensive, but also dangerous.
Let us be clear:
- Lt Gen Lim’s promotion should be a testament to his merit, commitment and patriotism – values that should unite, not divide us.
- How we choose our leaders must be grounded in democracy, meritocracy, and equity. The Federal Constitution is clear: appointments to civil service and government leadership are not to be based on race or ethnicity, but on trust, ability, and service to the people.
- To suggest otherwise is a blatant attempt to mislead the public and reinforce harmful myths about who is “Malaysian enough”
Racism has no place in Malaysia- whether overt or veiled in “what if” scenarios such as this.
Leaders with political integrity and the best interest of Malaysia at heart will not resort to such rhetoric, as all it does is deepen divisions. If PAS truly believes in the principles of equality, justice, and integrity as it often claims, it must take immediate action against such racially divisive behaviour within its ranks.
Pusat KOMAS calls on all responsible Malaysians and political leaders to reject this politics of fear. We urge leaders and the public alike to work towards a future where everyone can take pride in each other’s achievements rather than fear them.