KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 -- Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has reportedly stood firm on his accusations against Sungai Buloh PAS chief Zaharudin Muhammad, whom he had called racist for a remark on Malaysian Armed Forces lieutenant-general Datuk Johnny Lim Eng Seng.

After the son-in-law of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang threatened to sue, Sim said he was merely speaking out against a racist act and defended the Armed Forces.

"I will not back down from confronting this PAS leader who is being racist, discriminatory, and insulting towards our soldiers," Sim was quoted saying by Malaysiakini.

"If I am to be sued for defending multiracial harmony and the armed forces' dignity, then I am ready! I await the legal letter from his law...