Malaysia’s Communications Minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has urged all parties contesting the Negri Sembilan state election to focus on policies and the state’s future instead of exploiting racial, religious or royal issues during campaigning.

Speaking in Seremban on Sunday, Fahmi said the election should be a democratic contest of ideas aimed at improving the welfare of the people, not a platform for stoking racial or religious sentiments, dragging the royal institution into politics or spreading slander for electoral gain.

He called on all candidates and political parties to conduct mature, responsible campaigns by presenting their plans and policy proposals to voters rather than resorting to divisive tactics.

Fahmi said political leaders should respect democratic values and allow voters to assess competing visions for the state’s future based on facts and governance records.

His remarks come as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Negri Sembilan state election, with political parties stepping up efforts to win voter support.