LETTER | State polls: Reject all those riding racial, religious rhetoric

LETTER | As we approach the six state elections, Pusat Komas continues its monitoring of the use of race and religion in the campaigning period.

Incidents that fall under the following definition of racism were included in this monitoring:

Racism

A construct/narrative that assigns a certain race and/or ethnic group to a position of power over others on the basis of physical and cultural attributes involving hierarchical relations where the ‘superior’ race exercises domination and control over others.

It includes racist ideologies, prejudiced behaviour, structural arrangements and institutionalised practices resulting in racial inequality as well as the fallacious notion that discriminatory relations between groups are morally and scientifically justifiable.

Major news and political portals (Harakah, Samudera, SuaraKeadilan) including their social media accounts were monitored.

Special attention was also given to statements made by political parties or individuals strongly affiliated with political parties or wielding political influence, and statements made in relation to a religious or ethnic group that could influence the targeted group's voting tendency.

General coalition messaging and/or narratives

Throughout the campaigning period (July 29 to Aug 9), Pusat Komas documented a total of 31 incidents on the use of race and religion. Of the 31 incidents documented, Perikatan Nasional was identified as the coalition that has consistently used race and religion in its political campaigning, totalling 27 incidents.

The exploitation of race and religion to gain political mileage was evident in PN’s messaging - branding those who attended Umno events as condemned to hell and linking a vote for PAS as a ticket to heaven. Additionally, PN’s messages also revolved around how the Malays and/or Islam are victimised and threatened under their opponent’s administration.

Meanwhile, there are no incidents of the use of race and religion by the Pakatan Harapan and BN coalition. The remaining four incidents are not connected directly to the two coalitions, but they carry messages that are derogatory to the non-Muslims and convey an insistence on Islamic administration.

State coalition messaging and/or narratives

Specifically, Selangor recorded the highest number of incidents of the use of race and/or religion, with a total number of 10. This is followed by Penang (five), Kelantan (three), and Kedah (two).

No incidents were recorded in the states of Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan. There are 11 other incidents that are general in nature and are not targeted to any specific state.

Component party messaging and/or narratives

Examining specifically the messaging meted out by individual component parties, PAS was recorded to have the highest number of messages related to race and religion, totalling 20 incidents. Bersatu recorded six instances and Gerakan, one. Four cases were attributed to non-political parties.

Surprisingly, Umno, who had a history of using racial politics in their previous political campaigns, did not leverage these issues during the current campaigning period.

Pusat Komas is alarmed by the high use of race and religion in PN’s campaign trail. We condemn the use of race and religion by PN to entice voters to vote for their coalition in the upcoming elections.

Religious teachings should not be used to shame or ostracise individuals who do not conform to their ideology. The use of religion by PN to manipulate or control their potential voters is despicable, especially in the current fractured and polarised situation in the country.

Politics in a nation should revolve around ways how to improve the country, be it socially and economically. It should not be used as a divisive tool to further polarise the nation. It is in that spirit that Pusat Komas would like to commend Umno for steering away from the use of race and religion in their political campaign.

We would also like to commend other coalitions, political parties such as Harapan, Muda, PSM, and independent candidates for not using race and religion in their political campaigning.

As tomorrow will be a vital day to determine the state’s future, we urge all voters to come together to reject the politics of division based on race and religion. By voting against those who use these tactics, we send a strong message that we value unity, inclusivity, and harmony above all.

Our collective choice can shape a future where our nation's progress is driven by inclusivity and cooperation, rather than by exploiting our differences. Let's stand up against racial and religious provocation and pave the way for a more united and prosperous country.

PUSAT KOMAS is a non-governmental human rights organisation that advocates for democracy and non-discrimination.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.