Azalina Othman Said says Sanusi’s remarks create impression that non-Malay Malaysians have another homeland
SEREMBAN: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Mohd Nor’s remarks that “the Chinese have China, the Indians have India, the Cambodians have Cambodia, and the Malays only have Malaysia” should not be taken lightly.
UMNO Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said such rhetoric creates the impression that Malaysians of Chinese and Indian descent have another homeland, while suggesting that only Malays truly belong to Malaysia.
“The reality is that for millions of Malaysians of Chinese and Indian descent, Malaysia is not a place of transit. Malaysia is their homeland.
“The Federal Constitution establishes the position of Islam, the institution of the Malay Rulers, and the rights of Malays and Bumiputera. The same Constitution also guarantees the legitimate rights and status of every citizen regardless of their ancestry,” she said in a statement today.
Azalina, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), said every legitimate citizen shares the same homeland, is protected by the same Constitution and has the right to live in peace and dignity.
Amid the heated campaign for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, she said all leaders and political campaign machinery must be responsible for every word they utter.
“Issues involving race, religion and the royal institution should not be used as tools to incite anger or fear for the purpose of gaining votes,” she said.
She said the people of Negeri Sembilan deserved an election campaign focused on issues that genuinely affect their lives, such as the cost of living, employment opportunities, housing, education, healthcare, local development and their children’s future.
Azalina said Barisan Nasional (BN) did not need fear-based politics to gain support, but instead offered stability, experience, moderation and a nation that provides a place for every citizen.
For the latest updates on the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/n9.
