Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk MP, said while dissenting views were part and parcel of a democracy, Malaysia has always remained united.

“Hence, it would be unacceptable for the public, including politicians, to issue statements that touch on (the) sensitivities in a country that comprises people from different ethnicities and religions, as well as from diverse backgrounds,” he said in his Malaysia Day message.

“We should instead celebrate these differences.”

Zahid’s comments come in the wake of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s controversial remarks last month, where the latter claimed that non-Malays and non-Muslims were at the root of corruption in the country.

Yesterday, the Marang MP attacked Pakatan Harapan (PH) on the same issue, saying PAS would never work with the coalition as it was made up of “those who gave and received bribes”.

The Marang MP also accused PH leaders and its members of being “immoral and not religious”.