KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) member and International Secretary Kasthuri Patto has called on political parties to prioritise policies, development and nation-building over issues related to race and religion as campaigning for the 2026 Negeri Sembilan state election intensifies.

In a media statement on Saturday, Kasthuri said election campaigns should be centred on addressing the needs of Malaysians and presenting policy solutions rather than rhetoric that could divide communities.

She was responding to recent remarks by Perikatan Nasional leader and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, which she said had generated public discussion over issues of race and national identity.

Kasthuri said Malaysia is home to citizens of diverse ethnic backgrounds who have contributed to the country’s development across generations.

“Malaysia belongs to all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity, and political discourse should reflect the country’s multicultural identity,” she said.

She also referred to comments made by UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki regarding the Menteri Besar position in Negeri Sembilan, saying the office is governed by the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution, which stipulates that the Menteri Besar must be a Malay Muslim member of the State Legislative Assembly.

Kasthuri noted that Pakatan Harapan’s Menteri Besar candidate remains Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and said public discussions on the matter should be conducted responsibly to avoid confusion among voters.

She further urged political leaders to exercise care in their choice of language during the campaign, saying public figures have a responsibility to promote respectful discourse and avoid statements that could be perceived as divisive.

According to Kasthuri, voters should evaluate candidates based on their service record, integrity, policy proposals and commitment to good governance rather than race or religion.

She said elections should reinforce democratic values, including justice, equality, accountability and inclusive governance, adding that Malaysians should support leaders who promote unity while addressing the everyday concerns of the people.

Kasthuri concluded by calling on all political parties to conduct a campaign that strengthens national cohesion and focuses on delivering practical solutions for the country’s future.