Kuala Lampur, July 25 -- As Negeri Sembilan moves towards its state election, I find myself increasingly disturbed by the direction of the campaign.

"Angry" is not quite the right word. Neither is "sad." What I feel is closer to exasperation, perhaps even disillusionment. After decades of elections, democratic competition and repeated claims that Malaysia is becoming politically more "mature," we are still being dragged back to the same old language of race and religion.

The names, parties and coalitions may change. The narrative does not.

Figures such as Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi have once again placed Malay political power, religious identity and communal insecurity near the centre of electoral debate. But this is...