GEORGE TOWN: Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has denied using Malay sentiment to revive his political career.
He said raising issues affecting specific communities should not automatically be viewed as racial politics.
“If we discuss the interests of the Malays, Chinese education or Indian estate workers, does that mean it is wrong? I don’t think so.
“I represented Umno and was voicing the concerns of the Malay community. There is nothing wrong with that,” he told reporters at an event here.
While campaigning in the Negri Sembilan election, Khairy said Barisan Nasional’s cooperation with Perikatan Nasional signalled that Pakatan Harapan needed to be more sensitive to Malay issues.
In response, Pakatan communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said it was wrong to suggest that only certain political figures championed Malay and Islamic interests.
He said Khairy’s remarks appeared to be an attempt to revive his political standing after spending time away from frontline politics.
On Barisan’s prospects in the Negri Sembilan polls, Khairy said its chances were promising but cautioned that the race would be much tighter than the Johor polls.
He said Barisan candidates must make full use of the remaining campaign period to engage voters and present their plans for their constituencies.
“There are still three days left for campaigning. I hope Barisan candidates will continue meeting voters and offering what they intend to do as elected representatives,” he said.
