SHAH ALAM, April 25 — A white banner measuring 1.5m x 2.7m hanging between a street sign and a lamp post on the corner of Jalan Kepuk 19/2 here has been drawing curious stares around the neighbourhood and on social media this past week as political leaders nationwide ramp up their electoral speeches.

Featuring the logos of three opposing political groups, the message in Malay on the banner is a simple one.

"Whatever our political beliefs, don’t let it be a reason for us not greet each other and be enemies. We are one community. Maintain consensus. This is a democratic country.”

It was signed off "Sincerely from Persatuan Komuniti 19/3 and KRT 19/3”.

It took a bit of legwork amid the afternoon downpour, but Malay Mail was able to find out the person behind the banner.

Factory worker Azmi Sambah said he was moved to put up the banner that drives home the importance of respect and neighbourliness after watching the intense political shenanigans that have been taking place in the past few days since the 14th general election was announced for May 9.

The harmonious relations among the residents of the 320 units from the four apartment blocks that make up the Seksyen 19/3 neighbourhood he lives in, despite their diverse racial and political representation, was another factor.

"Regardless of whichever political party we support, the goodwill and respect among each other must be maintained,” he told Malay Mail when met yesterday.

"Neighbours you meet everyday, the first person you see when you open your door.

"When you are sick, neighbours are the ones helping out, not your leaders,” added the 52-year-old who is head of the apartment blocks 6-9’s joint management body.

Azmi said he wished to see the message of positivity and civility in the banner being relayed to Malaysians nationwide and hoped it would be practised not only by all, including the politicians and political candidates during the election season.

Though he counts himself a staunch PAS supporter, Azmi said that as a voter, he was fed up of lack of respect demonstrated by politicians towards their rivals while on the stump.

"They should not insult or discriminate each other when campaigning. Imagine if they practised the spirit of muhibbah during these ceramahs.

"We are all able to think on our own. Present your manifesto and let us decide,” the father of four said.

Azmi said the banner hanging outside the apartment complex is the only one "because of lack of capital”.

"The banner cost me around RM30 to make as I paid for it first,” he said, adding that he was later reimbursed the money from the apartment committee treasury.

However, he is open to replicating the banner elsewhere if there were sufficient funds available.

Residents and visitors to the eateries nearby said they were pleasantly surprised when they first caught sight of it. They all shared the same sentiment that the message of goodwill should be spread and encouraged among Malaysians all year round.

"Different political views will not be a stopping block to continue maintaining tolerance and friendship.

"We cannot be going against each other in a multiracial country, it will be detrimental to the nation’s stability,” said Mohd Hasmi Fairuz, 32, a clerk who also calls Seksyen 19 home.

Lee Se Wei, 23, said the message displayed on the banner was a true representation of Malaysian togetherness.

"This is very true, at the end of the day, there will be one winner and one loser after the elections and life goes on,” said the food and beverage industry intern, adding that she was a first-time voter and couldn’t wait to cast her vote on May 9.

Lee’s fellow intern Arina Mastura Abu Bakar, also 23, said the banner’s message was spot on.

"Why do we have to separate into our clans [during elections] when ultimately we are all Malaysians.

"There are some who complain about [political] parties but never cast their vote; these are the ones causing trouble and do not deserve to comment for not exercising their right,” she told Malay Mail.

Another factory worker M. Surenraj said electoral campaigners have rights, but felt they should keep in mind the effect of their work during the election season on their personal relations with other people around them.

"The election happens once every five years, so we cannot be going against each other every time, as after those few days, life goes back to normal, enemies become friends again,” the 25-year-old said.