By M.Krishnamoorthy
A former Associate Professor, author, media coach, and journalist
PMX Anwar Ibrahim condemned Kedah MB Sanusi Md Nor’s statement that non-Malay communities in Malaysia should rely on their ancestral homelands.
Anwar said no leader should make statements that could offend other races, stressing that the Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indian communities are loyal citizens who respect the Federal Constitution.
Sanusi's remarks have sparked backlash, prompting leaders within his BN coalition to express concern over the impact of such rhetoric on multiracial unity ahead of the Negeri Sembilan state election, The Malay Mail reported.
“There is no need to come to Negeri Sembilan,” DPM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told Sanusi to focus on Kedah and that he was not needed in Negeri. Sanusi is Perikatan Nasional's election director.
Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi to steer clear of racial and religious sentiments during the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign.
Speaking to reporters after launching the “Madani Agriculture Commodity Programme” in Kuala Pilah today, Ahmad Zahid said that if Sanusi truly wished to promote national unity, he should avoid touching on issues related to ethnicity, religion, culture or other racial backgrounds, as such remarks could stir unease among various communities.
MIC president Datuk Seri S.A. Vigneswaran has voiced apprehension that such rhetoric actively undermines the crucial efforts being made to foster a multiracial consensus within the country. His call for a review of the electoral pact with Perikatan Nasional highlights the perceived damage Sanusi's comments could inflict on inter-ethnic relations and political cooperation.
The controversy has added tension to the election campaign, with calls for a review of the electoral pacts between BN and PN.
Anwar emphasised that Malaysian Chinese and Indian communities are loyal citizens who respect the Federal Constitution.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said no leader should make statements that could offend other races.
Ends
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (https://helloimkrishna.com/) is a media coach, former Associate Professor, and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German, and Australian Television networks, and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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