UMNO Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has cautioned that remarks suggesting Malaysians of different ethnic backgrounds have separate homelands should not be dismissed lightly.
She was referring to a statement by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Mohd Nor, who said “the Chinese have China, the Indians have India, the Cambodians have Cambodia, and the Malays only have Malaysia”.
Azalina, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), said such comments could create a misleading perception that Malaysians of Chinese and Indian descent do not consider Malaysia their true home.
She stressed that Malaysia is the homeland of millions of citizens regardless of their ethnic origins, adding that the Federal Constitution protects the rights and status of all Malaysians.
“The Federal Constitution recognises the position of Islam, the Malay Rulers, as well as the rights of Malays and Bumiputera. At the same time, it guarantees the legitimate rights of every citizen regardless of ancestry,” she said in a statement.
Azalina said every citizen who holds Malaysian nationality shares the same homeland, enjoys protection under the Constitution and deserves to live in peace and dignity.
With campaigning for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election underway, she reminded political leaders and campaign teams to be responsible with their statements, especially on sensitive matters involving race, religion and the royal institution.
She said such issues should not be exploited to create anger or fear for political gains.
Azalina added that voters in Negeri Sembilan deserved an election campaign focused on matters affecting their daily lives, including the rising cost of living, job opportunities, housing, education, healthcare and future development.
She said Barisan Nasional (BN) would continue to offer a political approach based on stability, experience and moderation rather than relying on fear-based narratives to gain support.
