Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has warned political parties against using issues involving race, religion, culture and community backgrounds as campaign material in the Negeri Sembilan state election.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said political leaders must uphold ethics and decorum during campaigning and avoid making statements that demean individuals or other leaders.
Speaking after officiating the Salam Agrikomoditi MADANI programme in Kuala Pilah, Ahmad Zahid said differences in political views should be addressed with respect, while campaigns should focus on issues that directly benefit the people.
“Even though there are many state issues that need to be addressed, there is no need to belittle any individual or leader who has led before or is currently leading. We can have different opinions, but there is a proper way to handle those differences,” he said.
He also reiterated BN’s support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership until the end of the current federal government’s term, saying the coalition had no intention of bringing down the administration through political manoeuvres.
Meanwhile, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the understanding between BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan election was aimed at avoiding clashes in contested seats, rather than forming an electoral alliance.
Early voting for the Negeri Sembilan state election is scheduled for July 28, with polling day set for August 1.
