By Lee Wei Lian (Malaysian Insider)
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 – Using the Islamic card, deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muyhiddin Yassin today slammed the opposition for its campaign to “smear” Barisan Nasional, saying he was surprised they would do it with the Muslim fasting month just around the corner.

Muslims will begin their fasting for the holy month of Ramadan tomorrow, during which they are also expected to focus on pious thoughts.
Umno has claimed that Pakatan Rakyat is trying to assassinate the character of its Permatang Pasir by-election candidate Rohaizat Othman, a lawyer who was disbarred after he was found guilty of misconduct by the Bar Council.
“Maybe this is why they’re stepping up (character assassinations), because it is almost the fasting month so they are taking advantage of this period now before they cannot say anything,” he told a press conference after witnessing the unveiling of SME Corp Malaysia’s new logo.
“I am surprised that even though it’s almost the fasting month, they are still holding campaigns to smear and defame (Barisan Nasional).”
Muyhiddin pointed out that voters should focus on party policies and what each party is fighting for when deciding who to support.
The Umno deputy president also added that he did not see any signs of internal sabotage and it was probably rumours spread by “certain parties” to discredit Barisan Nasional.
“Everyone is working hard and looks so committed,” said Muyhiddin.
Rohaizat is facing PAS Penang state commissioner Mohd Salleh Man in a straight fight for the state seat in the by-election on Aug 25.
The Umno candidate has come under tremendous pressure from Pakatan Rakyat to withdraw from the contest as they say he is “tainted” and would only embarrass Umno.
Rohaizat has been hitting the campaign trail to clear his name and last night asked voters not to pay attention to attacks on his professional past, claiming that it was attempts to discredit him personally.