Are PN and PAS living up to national unity ideals?

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Perikatan Nasional and PAS Have Been Criticised for Not Upholding National Unity Ideals

DAP's Kasthuri Patto has stated that Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PAS should demonstrate their commitment to national unity before lecturing Malaysians on the subject. She criticised the use of racial rhetoric during the recent Negeri Sembilan election campaign, arguing that politicians who exploit race and religion for political gain should be rejected by voters. Kasthuri was responding to specific remarks made by PN election director Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, which she contended were hurtful and divisive.
Criticism of Rhetoric on Race and Belonging

Kasthuri Patto highlighted remarks attributed to Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who reportedly suggested that Malays only have "Tanah Melayu," while Indians have India and Chinese have China. She described such statements as deeply hurtful to Malaysians whose families have resided in the country for multiple generations. Kasthuri also pointed to the recurring use of derogatory terms like 'ingrates' and 'pendatang' against Malaysian citizens of Chinese and Indian ethnicities, indicating a pattern of divisive language.
Accusations of Exploiting Race and Fear Tactics

Furthermore, Kasthuri accused Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki of employing a "race+fear+fake news" strategy. This included the claim that DAP's Anthony Loke could become the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan. Kasthuri underscored that the Negeri Sembilan constitution explicitly requires the Menteri Besar to be a Malay Muslim state assemblyman, and that Pakatan Harapan had already nominated Aminuddin Harun for the position. Asyraf later reportedly claimed his remarks were made in jest, a defence Kasthuri deemed inexcusable for someone in his position.
Call for Voters to Judge Based on Merit

Kasthuri Patto urged Malaysian voters to evaluate candidates based on their service, track record, and the values of their respective parties or coalitions, rather than their ethnicity or religious background. This perspective challenges the narrative that race and religion should be primary considerations in political choices. Her statement implies that a focus on these identity markers, particularly when used divisively, detracts from a candidate's suitability to serve the public.

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Are PN and PAS living up to national unity ideals?

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