Political cooperation between Umno and PAS in Negeri Sembilan faces mounting friction after Umno stayed silent on racially charged remarks made by Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, according to DAP lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh.
Political Alliance Friction in Negeri Sembilan
The working relationship between Umno and PAS in Negeri Sembilan faces fresh scrutiny following controversial campaign statements. According to a statement issued by Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Umno’s reluctance to reprimand PAS leaders over divisive comments signals potential trouble for their newly formed political cooperation.
Ramkarpal pointed to remarks made by Perikatan Nasional election director and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor during a campaign ceramah in Jempol, as reported by Malaysiakini. Sanusi reportedly asserted that Malays only had “Tanah Melayu,” while Indians had India and Chinese had China.
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Escalating Rhetoric and Coalition Pressures
Ramkarpal linked Sanusi’s remarks to a July 16 statement by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who reportedly described DAP members as “pendatang brought in by the colonialists.”
According to the former deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), these recurring statements carry far-reaching consequences for racial harmony. Ramkarpal specifically challenged component parties within Barisan Nasional, calling on MCA and MIC to clarify whether they are prepared to leave the coalition over PAS’ position.
While MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran recently called for Barisan Nasional to contest upcoming elections on its own, Ramkarpal argued that this move does not mitigate the core issue because Umno has yet to formally condemn PAS over Sanusi’s remarks.
Calls for Immediate Investigation
Ramkarpal urged the authorities to immediately investigate Sanusi, warning that failing to act risks encouraging similar remarks throughout the Negeri Sembilan election campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the recent political friction between Umno and PAS?
The tension escalated after Umno remained silent following remarks by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor regarding the demographic origins of Malays, Indians, and Chinese in Malaysia.
Who called for an investigation into Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor?
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh urged authorities to immediately investigate the Perikatan Nasional election director over his remarks made during a campaign ceramah in Jempol.
What was the reaction from Barisan Nasional component parties?
MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran called for BN to contest elections independently, though DAP’s Ramkarpal argued this did not address Umno’s failure to condemn the remarks.
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