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MALAY leaders must not be trapped by racial political narratives but instead shoulder the responsibility of protecting the interests of all communities in Malaysia, UMNO Vice-President Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said.
Johari said Malaysia was built as a multiracial nation, with Malays forming the majority population, and therefore leadership must remain inclusive by ensuring equal treatment for all citizens.
He warned that political approaches based on division along racial lines would not benefit the country.
“I do not know in what context any individual was speaking (about race), but Malaysia is a country with a multiracial society where Malays form the majority.
“If we want to become leaders in this country as Malays and Bumiputeras, we must be responsible for looking after all communities, including minorities,” he told reporters after meeting Barisan Nasional (BN) election machinery at FELDA Palong 3.
Also present was BN candidate for the Palong state constituency, Datuk Mustapha Nagoor.
Commenting on campaign narratives that seek to separate Malaysians along racial lines, Johari said such an approach would not contribute positively to national development.
Although UMNO is a party rooted in Malay representation, he said BN has remained a multiracial coalition since its establishment, representing Malaysians from various communities.
“UMNO is a Malay party, but when we contest elections, we use BN, which includes all races and religions in the country.
“For more than 60 years of governing the country, BN has never contested under the UMNO name alone because its spirit has always been based on sharing and cooperation among various communities,” he said. - July 28, 2026