N SEMBILAN POLLS | The Negeri Sembilan Palace has advised all parties against involving the royal institution and 3R (race, religion, and royalty) elements in their campaigns for the state election, following backlash over certain remarks from political figures.
In a statement issued today by the Comptroller of the Royal Household for the Negeri Sembilan Palace, Azizi Mohamad Ali, the palace affirmed that it has always upheld the principle of neutrality and is not involved with any political parties or activities.
“The royal institution, as a unifying umbrella for the people, plays the role of safeguarding harmony, stability, and the wellbeing of the state.
“Accordingly, any allegation, statement, photo, video or material that associates the Negeri Sembilan Palace, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, or any member of the royal family with any political party is untrue,” he said.
Advising candidates contesting in the polls to campaign in a manner that does not violate the law, the palace added that it appreciates the cooperation of all parties to ensure the royal institution continues to be respected and protected from any misinterpretation or exploitation.
The public, Azizi added, is advised not to spread or believe any unverified information related to the state palace.
The palace’s input on the matter comes after a clip of Rembau Umno information chief Shukri Shamsuddin’s remarks on the campaign trail made the rounds online, with certain quarters accusing the politician of disrespect against the royal institution.
In the brief 21-second clip, Shukri, who appeared to be speaking to several other people in a home, claimed that DAP is “holding” the palace and the state’s powers, to the point where the “dignity” of some communities has been affected.
“That is why this is the way for us to unite again (and) strengthen our spirits - what matters now is that we reject the DAP alliance,” he added.
Violation of several laws
In response to the allegation, Negeri Sembilan DAP publicity secretary Louis Lim cautioned that such statements could worsen the royal crisis within the state and trigger baseless speculation.
Lim added that he has filed a police report on the matter, insisting that Shukri’s remarks may have violated several laws, including Penal Code legislation on defamation and statements that may cause public mischief.
Highlighting how DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has repeatedly said that the Pakatan Harapan component will not interfere in matters concerning the state’s customary institution and the palace, Lim urged Umno leaders against using slander to “frighten” Malay voters.
He also referenced Loke’s denial of Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki’s previous suggestion that the transport minister could be named as a menteri besar candidate.
“Responsible politics should be based on facts, not fabricated perception.
“I call on all parties to stop the politics of slander. Respect the democratic process and let the people make their judgment based on facts and performance, not lies and fear,” Lim added.
Perikatan Nasional election director Sanusi Nor has also received similar brickbats over his campaign speech, which touched on racial issues, including his assertion that “Chinese have China, Indians have India, while Malays only have Tanah Melayu.”
The remarks by the PAS leader, who is also the Kedah menteri besar, led to the lodging of police reports, while Sanusi himself claimed that his speech was taken out of context.
The issue came about a week after PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang went on a diatribe about non-Malays and DAP, calling them Islamophobic “pendatang” (migrants). - Mkini
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