KUALA PILAH: Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has advised Perikatan Nasional election director to focus on governing Kedah instead of campaigning for BN and PN in the Negeri Sembilan polls any more.
Responding to the brouhaha stirred by Sanusi’s remarks about the loyalty of non-Malays, Zahid said the Kedah menteri besar’s remarks were inappropriate and could cause unrest in Malaysia’s plural society.
With just six days left to the state election campaign, Zahid suggested that the PAS election director simply focus on his administrative duties in Kedah.
“We have six more days to campaign. I think he would be better off focusing on governing Kedah.
“There’s no need to come to Negeri Sembilan. Let us handle this state in our own way,” the Umno president said at a press conference here.
Zahid added that a leader like Sanusi should be more mindful about the statements made in public to preserve harmony in a multiracial society.
“If his intention is to unite (Malay-Muslims), there’s no need to touch on the ethnicity, religion, culture or background of others in this country.
“I’m convinced that the diversity of Malaysians, who come from various backgrounds, is divinely ordained,” he added.
At a ceramah two days ago, Sanusi said “Tanah Melayu” was the only homeland for Malays, unlike other ethnic groups, suggesting that the Chinese and Indians could fall back on their ancestral homelands outside Malaysia.
The PAS leader drew rebukes from leaders from Pakatan Harapan, MIC and PN component Malaysian Indian People’s Party. MIC president SA Vigneswaran also urged BN to review its pact with PN for the Negeri Sembilan polls.
