KUALA LUMPUR. Malaysia, June 25, 2025 — DAP Vice President Syahredzan Johan has strongly criticized a controversial social media post by former Subang PAS Youth Chief Ustaz Zaharuddin Muhammad, questioning the motives behind his remarks about the promotion of a Malaysian of Chinese descent to Lieutenant General in the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
In a statement, Syahredzan expressed dismay over Zaharuddin’s post, which appeared to question the appointment of Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng to the high-ranking military position.
“What is wrong with a Malaysian of Chinese descent being promoted to Lieutenant General in the Malaysian Armed Forces? Is he not also a son of Malaysia?” Syahredzan asked.
He emphasized that Datuk Johnny’s achievement should be a source of national pride, showcasing Malaysia’s unity in diversity.
“The recognition given to Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng should make us all proud, teaching us about unity in diversity,” he said.
However, Syahredzan lamented that the issue was being turned into a “polemic of division,” which he warned could fracture society.
While noting uncertainty about Zaharuddin’s current status within PAS, Syahredzan urged all parties to unequivocally condemn the statement.
“Politics and polemics like this must not be given space in the Malaysia we love,” he declared.
The controversy has sparked renewed calls for unity and an end to divisive rhetoric in Malaysian public discourse.