Police Warn Against Race Baiting in 2008 General Election (Like That’s Gonna Stop UMNO)

scottthong.
From The Star 6 Feb 2008:

Don’t play racial card, parties warned

JITRA: Political parties have been warned not to dabble in sensitive issues when campaigning in the coming general election.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said such issues could jeopardise the country’s unity even long after the election was over.

“Political campaigns using sensitive issues might be picked up by the media and will remain in the minds of the people until after the election.

“This could will lead to disharmony among the people,” he said after presenting school aid to more than 4,000 children in Kubang Pasu parliamentary constituency.

Getting ready: Mohd Johari (second from right) and Kubang Pasu MCA chairman Datuk Lim Lye Huat (third from right) listening to briefing by party workers on the computer system use to check voters names during their tour of the Kubang Pasu MCA Division general election operation centre at Pekan Jitra III, in Jitra, yesterday.

Mohd Johari said police would monitor campaigns conducted by political parties to ensure they would not use sensitive issues such as racial and religious issues.

He said stern action would be taken against political parties, which harp on sensitive issues during their campaigns.

Mohd Johari said he also believed Barisan Nasional candidates contesting in Kubang Pasu district could gain 5,000 additional votes from newly-registered voters.

When asked if he would be defending his seat Mohd Johari said he would leave it to the state party leader Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and party president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to decide on his status.