Barisan Nasional has distanced itself from the controversial remarks made by Perikatan Nasional election director Sanusi Nor, saying racially divisive politics has no place in Malaysia.
BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir said the coalition will not compromise with statements that play on racial sentiments or question the status of any ethnic group as Malaysian citizens.
“BN is a multiracial coalition that has proven for over six decades that Malaysia can be built on the basis of power-sharing, mutual respect and moderation.
“After nearly seven decades of independence, politics that divides Malaysians based on their racial backgrounds has no place in building a united nation,” he said in a statement.
Sanusi drew brickbats for saying “Tanah Melayu” was the only homeland for the Malays, unlike other ethnic groups, suggesting that the Chinese and Indians could fall back on their ancestral homelands outside Malaysia.
In rebuking the PAS leader, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had advised him to focus on governing in Kedah instead of joining the Negeri Sembilan election campaign.
Zambry also said BN rejects fearmongering tactics employed by its rivals to depict certain communities as being at risk if certain parties form alliances.
He is believed to be referring to the BN-Perikatan Nasional pact formed for the Negeri Sembilan state election.
“Fearmongering tactics are dangerous because they lead to suspicions, prejudice and hatred.
“BN wants to stress that any political cooperation and understanding reached for the Negeri Sembilan polls does not mean BN will sacrifice its principles or accept the political narratives of others.
“BN will continue to offer moderate politics, stability and unity while defending the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara. These are the fundamentals that have united the nation since independence and must continue to be defended,” said Zambry, who is also a federal minister.
BN has repeatedly sought to allay concerns that its pact with PN will undermine the position of non-Malays, with Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias saying non-Malay communities have not been sidelined in the PAS-led states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.