KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian politician has warned people against the rising spate of racially charged sentiments that he says are beginning to take hold in the country. Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman said at a speech at a Parents Day dinner on Friday evening that certain groups in the country are “attempting to fan racial sentiments.” It comes as other political leaders, including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed, warned citizens that the upcoming election could spark ethnic tensions in the country. The former PM also said that reforms would lead to an increase in racial tension and possibly violence. His statements have been dismissed by many observers in the country. “These attempts will not only disrupt harmony but also give a negative impact to the country's image and undermine the tourism, economic and investment sectors and eventually lead to losses for the people,” Aman said at the event, which was read to those gathered by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology Yee Moh Chai. Musa said the peace and the harmony “enjoyed now were the result of the commitment and sacrifice of past leaders as well as the determination of parents in sowing the seeds of tolerance.”
