KUALA LUMPUR – Parties must stop using race and religion for political expediency, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said, adding that these issues should not be a factor in the formation of a government.
While not mentioning names, he said it is disappointing that certain quarters are playing up this rhetoric for their own mileage, going against the very principles of the establishment of multiracial Malaysia.
“This narrow and stagnant thinking should not exist in this multiracial country,” he was quoted as saying by several media organisations yesterday evening.
Johari, who won the Titiwangsa parliamentary seat in the recently concluded 15th general election, said this is unlike Barisan Nasional (BN), which has always upheld race relations and religious harmony, and has stayed true to this principle since its formation.
Being an inclusive coalition, which has ruled the country for decades, has also allowed the healthy growth of Malaysia’s economy while ensuring political stability, he said.
“The country had transitioned from an agricultural nation to become one of Asean’s biggest economies.
“This is because BN is a strong believer that racial diversity and inclusivity are the most important factors in determining the success of this country.
“This country has achieved strong political stability because we respect all races and are willing to work together regardless of race, religion, customs, and socio-economic differences.”
Johari also noted how caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was able to strike a pact with Pakatan Harapan, allowing him to rule the nation without problems from the opposition coalition.
“Back then, there was no issue that DAP was part of Pakatan Harapan,” he said, adding that BN has always believed in the concept of power-sharing among the different races.
He added that during the 2008 general election, when no party secured the majority in Selangor and Perak, PAS had decided to cooperate with Pakatan Rakyat, which then also consisted of PKR and DAP.
Johari also attributed his victory in Titiwangsa, which he won with a majority of 4,632 votes, to the support from all races. – The Vibes, November 23, 2022
