The use of racial issues in the ongoing Cameron Highlands by-election campaigning is an offence, the Election Commission (EC) has warned. 

"Touching upon religious sensitivities during the election campaign is inappropriate and is an offence under the Election Offences Act 1954," EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun said in a statement today.

Azhar, who did not name the political parties nor candidates mentioned, said candidates participating in the by-election, as well as their respective parties, have the responsibility to ensure that their campaigning activities do not go against the law, and do not cause confusion to the voters.

Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the by-election, M Manogaran, had accused both BN and PAS of running a "racist" campaign to sow hatred against Harapan.

This after the opposition parties painted Harapan as anti-Malay, and anti-Islam.

Meanwhile, Azhar also reminded the candidates to observe their integrity pledge while campaigning.

"EC urges all the candidates and their political parties to pay attention to the relevant issues highlighted in the candidate integrity pledge ('Aku Janji Calon Semasa Tempoh Berkempen dan Hari Mengundi')," he said.