PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional has pledged to uphold its multiracial political principles, rejecting divisive racial rhetoric and fearmongering that could jeopardise national unity, says coalition secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic).
He said Barisan, which has governed Malaysia for more than six decades, had demonstrated that the country could be developed through power sharing, mutual respect and moderation.
Barisan would not compromise with any statement that fuelled racial sentiments, questioned the place of any ethnic group as part of Malaysian society, or created unease among the people.
“After nearly seven decades of independence, politics that divide Malaysians along racial lines have no place in building a united nation,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Zambry also rejected the politics of fear, saying certain parties continued to portray that a particular race would be threatened if certain political parties governed together.
He added that such tactics were dangerous as they bred suspicion, prejudice and hatred among the people.
Referring to the political cooperation forged for the Negri Sembilan state election, Zambry stressed that the understanding reached did not mean Barisan had compromised its core principles or adopted the political narratives of any other party.
Barisan, he said, remained firm in upholding its own principles.
“The coalition would continue to champion moderation, stability and unity while defending the Federal Constitution, the Rukun Negara and the nation’s founding framework, including Islam as the religion of the Federation, the institution of the Malay Rulers, the special position of the Malays and bumiputra, as well as the legitimate rights of all Malaysians,” he said.
“These principles had united the nation since independence and must continue to be safeguarded.”
Zambry added that Barisan rejected those who sought to create racial divisions and promote fear based politics, saying the coalition would continue to provide leadership that strengthened national unity, inspired public confidence and offered a shared future for all Malaysians.
