The Sarawak state election campaigns should not be tainted by any "irresponsible, immoral and indecent" exploitation of the Sept 11 mass murder in New York City and Washington DC, said an opposition leader today.

DAP national chairperson Lim Kit Siang said exploiting the issue will bring shame to the election and the international reputation of Malaysians.

He urged all political parties and candidates in Sarawak to make a solemn vow not to resort to a "despicable campaign of lies and fear" just to get votes for polling on Sept 27.

"It is most shocking that there are already political parties and candidates who have resorted to such campaign tactics," Lim said in a press statement.

"This is not only utterly devoid of dignity and decency but shows utter contempt for thousands of lives lost in New York and Washington," he added.

Lim's comments came in the wake of two terrorist-commandeered airliners crashing into the World Trade Center in New York, followed by another into the US Department of Defense's Pentagon building last Tuesday.

Code of ethics

Sarawak is in the midst of one of the most exciting state elections next Thursday as the incumbent Barisan Nasional led by caretaker chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud will face opposition parties DAP, Keadilan, PAS and Star (State Reform Party).

Lim urged the Election Commission to convene an emergency meeting of all political parties and candidates in Sarawak to draw up a code of ethics to ensure there was no money politics, lies, fear or intimidation during the campaign.

He said all responsible parties and politicians in Malaysia should stand united to condemn the attacks and reject terrorism locally or internationally.

"The hijacking and turning of four commercial airlines into weapons of mass destruction, killing thousands of people, are heinous crimes against humanity," said the veteran politician.

"The perpetrators of the catastrophes must be brought to justice and the most severe punishment must be meted out to them but not by indiscriminate reprisals and the taking of innocent lives," he stressed.