Reject all riding racial, religious rhetoric in elections – Pusat Komas

AS we approach the six state elections, Pusat Komas continues its monitoring of the use of race and religion in the campaigning period. Incidents that fall under the following definition of racism were included in this monitoring.

Major news and political portals (Harakah, Samudera, SuaraKeadilan), including their social media accounts, were monitored. Special attention was also given to statements made by political parties or individuals strongly affiliated with political parties or who wield political influence, and statements made in relation to religious or ethnic groups that could influence the targeted groups’ voting tendency.

General coalition messaging and/or narratives

Throughout the campaigning period (July 29 to August 9) Pusat Komas documented a total of 31 incidents of the use of race and religion. Of the 31 incidents documented, Perikatan Nasional (PN) was identified as the coalition that has consistently used race and religion in its political campaigning, totalling 27 incidents. The exploitation of race and religion to gain political mileage was evident in PN’s messaging – branding those who attended Umno events as being condemned to hell and calling a vote for PAS a ticket to heaven. 

Additionally, PN’s messages also revolved around how the Malays and/or Islam are victimised and threatened under their opponents’ administration. Meanwhile, there are no incidents of the use of race and religion by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional coalition. The remaining four incidents are not connected directly to the two coalitions, but carry messages derogatory to the non-Muslims and convey an insistence on Islamic administration.

State coalition messaging and/or narratives

Specifically, Selangor recorded the highest number of incidents of the use of race and/or religion, with a total number of 10. This is followed by Penang (five), Kelantan (three), and Kedah (two). No incidents were recorded in the states of Terengganu and Negri Sembilan. There are 11 other incidents that are general in nature and are not targeted to any specific state.

Component party messaging and/or narratives

Examining specifically the messaging meted out by individual component parties, PAS was recorded to have the highest number of messages related to race and religion, totalling 20 incidents. Bersatu recorded six instances and Gerakan one. Four cases were attributed to non-political parties. Surprisingly Umno, which has a history of using racial politics in its previous political campaigns, did not leverage these issues during the current campaigning period.

Pusat Komas is alarmed with the high use of race and religion in PN’s campaign trail. We condemn the use of race and religion by PN to entice voters to vote for their coalition in the upcoming elections. Religious teachings should not be used to shame or ostracise individuals who do not conform to their ideology. The use of religion by PN to manipulate or control their potential voters is despicable, especially in the country’s current fractured and polarised situation. 

Politics in a nation should revolve around ways on how to improve the country, be it socially and economically. It should not be used as a divisive tool to further polarise the nation. It is in that spirit that Pusat Komas would like to commend Umno for steering away from the use of race and religion in its political campaigning. We would also like to commend other coalitions; political parties such as PH, Muda, and PSM; and independent candidates for not using race and religion in their political campaigning.

As tomorrow will be a vital day to determine the state’s future, we urge all voters to come together to reject the politics of division based on race and religion. By voting against those who use these tactics, we send a strong message that we value unity, inclusivity, and harmony above all. Our collective choice can shape a future where our nation’s progress is driven by inclusivity and cooperation, rather than by exploiting our differences. Let’s stand up against racial and religious provocation and pave the way for a more united and prosperous country. – The Vibes, August 11, 2023

Pusat Komas is a non-governmental human rights organisation that advocates for democracy and non-discrimination. Specifically, it advocates against racism and racial discrimination in Malaysia, and supports the advocacy of the rights of the peninsular indigenous peoples (Orang Asli)