PORT DICKSON: Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's remarks are an insult to millions of loyal Malaysians, says MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
"As the Mentri Besar of Kedah and an elected representative, Sanusi's remarks are also an insult to the non-Malay voters who placed their trust in him," he said in a statement on Saturday (July 25).
Dr Mah said resorting to racial rhetoric during an election campaign to divide voters was an ugly tactic that deserved repudiation.
"In a harmonious and diverse country like Malaysia, politicians should act responsibly and focus on the welfare of the people and delivering effective public service to drive the nation's progress," he added.
This comes after Muhammad Sanusi, who is also Perikatan Nasional election director, alleged during a ceramah that Tanah Melayu was the ‘homeland’ for the Malays, unlike other ethnic groups.
Dr Mah said Muhammad Sanusi's claim was an insult to local Chinese and Indian communities, who have been pillars of Malaysia's economic growth and national development since the pre-Independence days.
"Malaysia is renowned as a multiracial nation and that diversity is a unique strength that all Malaysians should be proud of.
"As Malaysians who were born and raised here, we also belong to this land. Sanusi should not forget that we are Malaysians too," he added.
He also questioned whether Muhammad Sanusi had forgotten that the Malaysian Indian People's Party is part of Perikatan.
"Does his statement imply that Perikatan does not represent or serve the interests of the non-Malay community?" he asked.
The MCA deputy president said that regardless of political parties or their ideologies, elected leaders should remember that they are chosen to serve all Malaysians.
"Political leaders should use the campaign stage to address the real issues affecting the rakyat and present solutions that improve their lives rather than resorting to racial politics that threaten the country's unity and social harmony," he said.
