SERI Setia constituents have been urged not to fall for the racial and religious issues being played up in the by-election campaign.

Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for the state seat, Halimey Abu Bakar of PKR, said it was the pact’s policy to protect the welfare of all races.

He said this was evident in the party’s leadership, as well as the cabinet line-up, comprising leaders of different races.

“The harmony in Seri Setia’s multiracial community should not be affected by any party’s racist attitude.

“In this context, I urge locals to be with me in rejecting any attempt by any party to play up racial and religious issues in this by-election campaign.

“There should be no compromise for those who try to instil hatred and suspicion,” he told reporters at PH’s operations centre in Kelana Jaya today.

He said Seri Setia folk should be proud of their multiracial community, and that such variety was important to the country’s development and success.

He said the PH Selangor government had long embraced all races, using as an example Inisiatif Peduli Rakyat (IPR), which allocated RM1.8 billion for the people’s welfare.

“Applications (for IPR) will be looked into fairly. Approval will be given to anyone, whether Malay, Chinese or Indian.”

Halimey denied that he was referring to PAS candidate Dr Halimah Ali’s campaign, which had touched on race and religion in a recent ceramah.

“I am not referring to anyone. I am just talking about our party in general.”

On Friday, Barisan Nasional’s Lokman Noor Adam said Umno was working with the Islamist party in the Seri Setia by-election to defend Malay rights, Islam and the monarchy. – August 27, 2018.