KUALA LUMPUR – MCA has lambasted Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over his recent campaign remarks in Jempol, accusing the Kedah Menteri Besar of using divisive racial rhetoric that undermines the contributions of non-Malay Malaysians.
MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said Sanusi’s claim that Malays have no homeland other than Malaysia, while Chinese and Indians have China and India respectively, was offensive to communities that have contributed to the country’s development since before independence.
“Such a statement is an insult to the Chinese and Indian communities, who have been pillars of this country’s economic growth and national development since before independence.
As Malaysians who were born and raised here, we also belong to this land. Sanusi should not forget that we are Malaysians too,” he said in a statement today.
Mah said Malaysia’s multiracial identity has long been a source of strength and should not be exploited as a political tool during election campaigns.
He also questioned whether Sanusi’s remarks reflected PN’s position towards non-Malay communities, pointing out that the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) is part of the coalition.
“Has he forgotten that the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) is part of the PN coalition? Does his statement imply that PN does not represent or serve the interests of the non-Malay community?” he asked.
Mah said using racial sentiments for political gain was irresponsible and could threaten the country’s unity and social harmony.
“In a harmonious and diverse country like Malaysia, politicians should act responsibly and focus on the welfare of the people and delivering effective public service to drive the nation’s progress.
Malaysians are grappling with issues such as low wages, unemployment and the rising cost of living,” he said.
He added that elected representatives had a responsibility to serve all Malaysians regardless of race or religion, as they were elected by voters from diverse backgrounds.
“As the Menteri Besar of Kedah and an elected representative, Sanusi’s remarks are also an insult to the non-Malay voters who placed their trust in him,” he stressed.
Mah urged political leaders to focus on policies and solutions that address the concerns of the rakyat rather than relying on racial narratives.
“Political leaders should use the campaign stage to address the real issues affecting the rakyat and present solutions that improve their lives, rather than resorting to racial politics that threatens the country’s unity and social harmony,” he said.
Sanusi, meanwhile, has rejected accusations that his remarks were intended to create racial tension, insisting that his speech was based on historical facts and had been misrepresented for political purposes.
The PN election director said he would lodge a police report against individuals whom he accused of manipulating his statements and vowed to take legal action, including filing lawsuits, against those who deliberately distorted his remarks.
“I mentioned facts only. Whoever tries to manipulate this issue for political gain, I will sue.
“I will make a counter police report. I will take legal action to correct the situation. Do not try to distort facts,” he said, as quoted by Harian Metro.
Sanusi said his remarks during the campaign event in Jempol were not directed at any individual and claimed certain parties had taken excerpts from his speech, added their own interpretations and turned them into a controversy.
“Detailed, straightforward. The details are clear. People are just manipulating it, taking a part of it, commenting on it, adding their own things. Then they create an issue. That is all.
“If those who understand the Malay language, surely they understand the language of Malaysia. It is being exaggerated deliberately to gain political benefit and tarnish my reputation,” he said.
He also maintained that history should not be used as a source of conflict, arguing that historical facts should be studied to understand the past and shape the future.
“I talked about history. How can people not understand? They just want to create tension. I am not the one creating tension, they are the ones creating tension.
“History has never created tension. History is a fact that needs to be known and studied to understand what happened in the past, what is happening now and to plan for the future… that is history,” he said.
Sanusi added that those who circulated videos or reports that allegedly misrepresented his remarks should be held responsible.
“I do not know who they are. I do not even know those people. They are not popular. If they are looking for popularity through such videos, what is this?
“They sent videos saying someone had lodged a police report. I will make a counter report if they distort what I said.
“I said something else, they claimed I said something else. I did not say what they claimed I said. Say what is true. We do not need to fear as long as we are right. Those who fear are those who are not right,” he said.
The controversy stemmed from Sanusi’s campaign speech in Jempol, where he reportedly said “Tanah Melayu” was the only homeland for Malays, unlike other ethnic groups whom he claimed had countries of origin elsewhere.
He also alleged that DAP’s “Malaysian Malaysia” agenda threatened the position of the Malay community and called for PAS and Umno to reunite to defend Malay rights and Islam.
Sanusi further claimed that the Malay community’s economic share remained at 18% despite decades of affirmative action policies. – July 25, 2026