SEREMBAN: All parties have been told not to touch on matters related to the royal institution during the ongoing campaign for the Negri Sembilan state election.
Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition respected the royal institution and there was no need to drag the monarchy into politics.
"I would like to remind everyone not to touch on 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues.
"In Negri Sembilan, we must respect the royal institution which also includes the Undang Yang Empat (ruling chieftains)," he said after opening the Himpunan Usahawan Bumiputera Negri Sembilan event here on Monday (July 27).
The Deputy Prime Minister said Barisan's campaign since Nomination Day had not touched on 3R issues and never will.
"The reminder issued by the Negri Sembilan palace is also timely and everyone should abide by it," he said.
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Earlier today, Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Azizi Mohamad Ali advised candidates to refrain from dragging the state monarchy into election campaigns and speeches.
The palace also denied any involvement with political parties contesting the Aug 1 state polls.
It stressed that the royal institution always upheld the principle of neutrality and was not involved with any party or political activity.
Separately, Ahmad Zahid also dismissed claims by the Amanah and Bersatu leaderships that Barisan and Perikatan Nasional were having problems.
"They are claiming that we will not be able to realise our political cooperation and that we have been fighting.
"I would like to let them know that we have been working well and in fact, we've never even had a difference of opinion.
"We are moving ahead together as friends," he said.
On another issue, Ahmad Zahid appealed to Army and police personnel involved in Tuesday's (July 28) early voting to support Barisan.
"I hope you will support Barisan candidates and give them the opportunity to serve.
"I will not issue a directive but as Barisan chairman, I am asking for your support," he said, adding that if voted into power, the coalition will do its best for security personnel and their families.
