GE15: Avoid using racial issues, says unity minister

Supporting communal ties: (from left) Halimah standing with Onn Hafiz as the latter hands over a mock cheque to a representative of the Malaysia Buddhist Association, Johor branch, in Kulai. — Bernama

KULAI: Politicians and their supporters have been reminded to play nice to ensure a “clean and healthy” 15th General Election (GE15).

National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique reminded the public to always keep the principle of unity in mind following the dissolution of Parliament last Monday.

“In the rush to get the GE15 machinery ready, I want to remind everyone to practise healthy campaigning and avoid using racial issues or attacks for personal gain.

“While this may benefit those who use such methods to instigate and provoke, it hurts our multiracial society as a whole and leaves cracks in the nation’s unity,” she told reporters after a get-together event with non-Islamic houses of worship here yesterday.

Earlier at the same event, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi handed out financial assistance from the ministry to 39 non-Islamic houses of worship amounting to RM1mil.

He echoed similar views in calling on the people to reject dirty politics, which disrupts the stability of the country and state.

He appealed to the public to stay away from dirty politics, false claims and empty promises as these were the things that could bring instability and affect Johor’s efforts to become a developed state by 2030.

“This has happened before – empty promises made about the high speed rail project and toll fare for expressways were not delivered – and in the end, Johoreans were the ones to pay.

“The state has wasted four years in the past; we cannot afford to lose another four years.

“Having a stable and united state and federal governments will ensure Johor’s progress,” he said.

Onn Hafiz added that stability would bring prosperity and this could seen in the state’s progress in the six-and-a-half-months under Barisan Nasional, where Johor achieved the highest foreign direct investment in the country other than performing well in major sporting events.