Spectre of ethnic divisions hangs over Malaysia as racial, religious rhetoric intensifies ahead of state polls

In the lead up to the state polls, the Malaysia government announced that it willto deal with issues concerning race, religion and royalty - also known as 3R - issues that are played up ahead of the upcoming six state polls.

A study by the Centre of Independent Journalism found that 15 per cent of 18,721 social media posts that they monitored from July 24-30 as part of a “Say No to Hate Speech” campaign in conjunction with the state elections indicated that racist, xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic comments and gender stereotypes continue to be normalised with no obvious counter-messaging from political leaders or the public.

Amid the intensifying hate speech, political observers CNA spoke to outlined that these initiatives by the government are important as racial and religious rhetoric could widen ethnic divisions across the country and result in unrest. He acknowledged that some DAP leaders like Mr Lim"oversimplify” PN and PAS’ surge from the religious angle and that this was counterproductive.

“When one side can win without being inclusive, and the other side cannot win just by being multiethnic, then it is inevitable for the former to play up identity politics,” said Dr Wong. When asked about instances of PN leaders harping on racial and religious polemics, Mr Azmin, who is contesting the Hulu Kelang seat in Selangor against one of his ex-aides, claimed that these were isolated cases.

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