Umno has warned opposition parties campaigning in the twin by-elections not to exploit issues related to racism.

Party information chief Annuar Musa urged all the parties involved to adhere to ethics and the law.

According to Umno Online, he said these parties must have the moral responsibility not to disrupt peace for the sake of garnering votes.

"If we campaign just to get votes and the country is destroyed, I feel there is no point. This is not a question of power because power must be returned to the people. What we want is stability and peace.

"But if we play with racial sentiments, it is like the Malay saying of playing with fire. When the fire is small, it is fun, but when it spreads and becomes big, it cannot be extinguished," he added.

Annuar Musa was commenting on the controversial billboards which appeared in Sekinchan, which have since been removed.

The Umno leader said BN existed in order to douse this racial fire with a political approach premised on moderation, cooperation and mutual respect.

"Although we know each race have their own wishes, we are also tolerant and moderate. This is the reason BN has managed to hold on (to power) until now compared to the opposition.

"Like PAS and DAP, they often use an approach which is sometimes extreme, and this attitude consumes them in the end. Because of this, they cannot sit at the same table for long," he added.

As for BN, Annuar said despite the differences involving race, the formula of cooperation in the coalition served as the antidote.

Stressing that BN does not condone extreme campaigning, he revealed that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak himself had advised him to campaign in a moderate manner, especially since this is the month of Ramadan.

"What is important is elections which are peaceful...," he said.

Campaigning is underway for two by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar, which would be held simultaneously on June 18.