IPOH, July 19 — A senior minister believes the time has come to exorcise Malaysian politics of racially-charged rhetoric before the situation worsens beyond recovery.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, who is also a five-term MP for Tambun, said the current political situation was unhealthy for the country’s future.

“In other countries politics goes full swing during elections. But in Malaysia it goes on throughout the year.

“Day in and day out people politicise issues,” he said at his Hari Raya open house in Kampung Sungai Rokam here yesterday.

“Because of this, there are those who play the race card, tearing the already fragile fabric of society with racism and racist remarks.”

Husni, who declined to answer 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)-related questions, claimed that politicians in Malaysia tend to speak based on sentiment, including character assassination and hatred against others, instead of facts.

He said politics and political sentiments should be confined to elections and should not be broached or spoken about as if it were elections everyday.

Urging politicians, groups and individuals to stop racialising every issue, he said emphasis should be given to development and progress.

“Stop finding fault. Stop politicising issues. Are we going to see this till the end of time? If this goes on, racism will grow, grow and grow.

“What will happen to the future of our country? We must embrace the philosophy that Malaysia belongs to all Malaysians.”

Husni said the political culture must change, adding that the country’s future hinged on harmonious co-existence among the races and religions.

Attempts by Malay Mail to speak to him regarding an allegation by Public Accounts Committee member Tony Pua that he had lied about the US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) transferred in the account of an individual proved futile.

On July 14, Husni released a statement saying the preliminary report by the auditor-general “found no evidence of wrongdoing” and that “the transfer of US$700 million to certain individuals does not arise”.

The next day, Pua claimed Husni had “blatantly lied” about the findings. 

Husni refused to be drawn into answering questions related to 1MDB.

“This is a Hari Raya occasion and it is not an appropriate place to answer questions related to 1MDB.

“I promise I will speak about it the next time we meet,” he said.