A BN leader has called on aspiring candidates in the upcoming elections for various parties not to use the racial card to garner support.  

While Gerakan secretary-general Mah Siew Keong’s advice is commendable, observers however noted that it was also ironic since Umno, MCA and MIC are race-based parties.

In his statement, the former deputy minister said candidates, including those from opposition parties, should instead campaign responsibly and sensibly as Malaysians.

NONE "It will be grossly irresponsible, selfish and unfair to exploit the controversial issues that have a potential of flaring up simply to gain a spike in support in order to prevail in one's party election.

"This obviously presents a greater challenge to candidates in race-based parties and that is why we need to remain conscientious and vigilant," Mah ( right ) added.

 

He called for an end to what he described as the "ill-practice" of playing the race card to garner "transient support", which was dangerous and detrimental to interracial harmony and social stability.     

He cautioned that although bringing up racial issues was the easiest method to win communal support during a party election, the long-term effects however would be detrimental to societal stability as a whole.

 

"Political contestations must be on ideas and not mindless attacking and this includes opposition parties as well, we must hold our political opponents accountable for their policies and ideas as it is fair," he added.

Different tone at coming Umno meet?

Of all the parties, Umno annual general assemblies have a track record of delegates making statements that trample on the toes of other races.

NONE Since Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak took over the role of Umno president, he had attempted to soften the racial overtones in view of his 1Malaysia Agenda.

But on the same note, he came under fire for not putting his foot down with regard to the racist rants from groups like Perkasa, whose leaders appeared to enjoy a sense of immunity.

Najib had also ruffled feathers when he named Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Noordin as the candidate for the Shah Alam parliament seat.

Observers noted that the antics of Umno leaders had also played a crucial role in the electoral fate of parties like Gerakan, MCA and MIC, which were almost  wiped out in the last polls.

Following the last general election, which saw Chinese voters abandoning Umno and BN despite the prime minister’s efforts to win their hearts and minds, observers noted that the tone could be different in the coming Umno general assembly.

Umno will hold its general assembly and party elections next month, which is expected to see heated battles for the vice-president and Youth chief posts.