Kota kinabalu: All parties have been reminded not to exploit issues related to race, religion, and royalty (3R) during the 17th Sabah State Election campaign, as doing so could undermine social harmony and unity. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasized that campaigning on 3R sentiments is a 'self-defeating' and unhealthy political strategy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi expressed concern over any campaign activity based on 3R issues, stating that such actions are prohibited. He urged parties to campaign responsibly and use smart and constructive arguments to avoid threatening harmony and unity. Fahmi's comments came during his visit to the Media Centre for Sabah State Election, where he addressed the ministry's monitoring of attempts by certain parties to use 3R narratives on social media.
Fahmi highlighted that the ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are taking all 3R-related complaints seriously and will act on any breach of the law. He revealed that MCMC is currently investigating three cases involving the spread of unlawful content during the election period. Two cases have been referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor, while one remains under investigation. Fahmi clarified that these cases involve election-period content but could be more general in nature, not necessarily involving candidates.
In a separate matter, Fahmi, who is also Pakatan Harapan's Communications Director, addressed Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal's allegation regarding the use of public funds to finance social media campaigns by opponents. Fahmi stated that he was unaware of such activities and affirmed that Pakatan Harapan has no such funds.
Additionally, Fahmi, as the MADANI Government spokesperson, reported that telecommunications infrastructure readiness for polling day is satisfactory. He mentioned that 29 polling centres would be equipped with additional Starlink units to ensure stable Wi-Fi access for election personnel, with installation to be completed by Nov 28. Fahmi assured that all communication towers are operating well with no major outages reported, and any disruptions are typically resolved within several hours.
The Election Commission has set the polling day for Nov 29, with early voting held today.