COMMENT | Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor’s speech is problematic not simply because his remarks may be perceived as insulting Malaysians of Chinese or Indian descent.

The deeper problem lies in a fundamental misconception of Malay history and identity itself.

I do not intend to label Sanusi’s speech as racist. It was delivered on an election platform, where political figures often use strong language and emotional appeals to mobilise supporters.

A firebrand politician like Sanusi is known for such rhetoric, and sensationalism is expected in political campaigning.

Let us examine his exact words...