Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom today advised political parties campaigning in the Tenang state by-election to refrain from using Islam to raise sensitive issues which can disunite the people.

NONEHe said Islam could not be used as a tool to garner political support by confusing the people and subsequently disuniting them.

"Elections are often seen as a platform to defame and raise sensitive religious issues," he told reporters after launching an Islamic mini carnival in Labis.

Jamil Khir (right) said the people must realise that various issues would be raised during a by-election and that religion was a sensitive issue.

He said they must realise that the strength of the country rested on unity and the earnestness of the BN government in developing the country.

The Tenang state by-election on Jan 30 is a straight fight between former assistant district officer Mohd Azahar Ibrahim, 39, of the BN and former teacher Normala Sudirman, 38, of PAS.

It is being held following the death of the assemblyman, Datuk Sulaiman Taha of the BN, on Dec 17.

- Bernama