Seremban: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on all political parties contesting the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election to refrain from using issues related to race, religion, culture, and societal background in their campaign materials. The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman emphasized the need for political leaders to uphold ethics and decorum by focusing on policies and issues affecting the people rather than resorting to personal attacks.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated, "We must maintain ethical standards as political leaders, whether at the national or state level. We emphasize unity within the Unity Government at the federal level, and that spirit must be respected." He further advised that while there are many issues to address at the state level, political discourse should avoid disparaging individuals or leaders, past or present, and should express differing opinions properly.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, urged all parties to center their campaigns on issues that genuinely benefit the people. He reiterated BN's commitment to supporting the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim until the end of the current federal government's term, dismissing any intentions of undermining the MADANI Government through political manoeuvres.

In a related development, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin clarified the nature of cooperation between BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan state election. He described it as a political understanding to avoid multi-cornered contests in selected constituencies, emphasizing that it is not a merger but an arrangement to prevent clashes over seats.

Early voting for the Negeri Sembilan state election is scheduled for July 28, with polling set to take place on August 1.