RACE-BASED politics and its place in today's society took centre stage at the morning sitting yesterday.

The issue saw a lively debate between backbenchers and opposition representatives from Umno.

At one point, the state government was advised to be careful as it risked facing the possibility of a cold war among the races if it was not sensitive in handling such issues.

Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah (BN-Seberang Jaya) said the state government must ensure it gave equal attention to all races to avoid such a situation.

Earlier, Jagdeep Singh Deo (DAP-Datuk Keramat) took a swipe at the opposition members by accusing them of harping on racial issues since Monday.
He said they would be better off focusing on the creation of Bangsa Malaysia in line with the aspirations of the people, who had through the March 8 general election rejected race-based politics.

"Race-based political parties have become totally irrelevant now," he said.

Jagdeep went on to chide opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim (BN-Penaga) for complaining that some Pakatan Rakyat representatives did not don the ceremonial attire on the opening day of the sitting.

Jagdeep said the standing orders were clear that it was not compulsory for anyone to wear the ceremonial dress on the opening day.

On race-based politics, Azhar said the Barisan Nasional was a truly multiracial party as it had members and representatives from all races in the country.

Jagdeep proposed that the state government abolish the post of deputy chief minister I and II as it gave the impression that one was bigger than the other.

He said both should just be known as deputy chief minister to avoid the misconception.

Clearly uncomfortable with where the debate was heading, veteran politician Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya (BN-Teluk Bahang) urged everyone not to keep dwelling on racial issues.