Focus on contributions, vision and capability - Ong Tee Keat

He said that the recent spate of partisan mudslinging and incessant character assassination, particularly of that fuelled by the imminent Kajang by-election, somewhat marred the recent lukewarm Lunar New Year celebrations.

The former transport minister has also called for the contending parties to "practise mature and progressive politics" and to refrain from exchanging insults, character assassination and playing up racial and religious issues.

"Incessant political spats dominated by thoughtless statements would only serve to disgust the public and embarrass us in the international arena as our international perception serves as a convenient barometer for measuring the level of our partisan political maturity," he said through a media statement.

Ong wanted the parties to run clean and informative campaigns so that the voters in Kajang can make an informed decision in choosing their candidate that can serve them.

On the future of the country, he likened Malaysians to the crew and passengers of one ship.

"Constantly fighting over who would captain the ship, to the extent of punching holes in the ship to prove a point will do none of us any good. Instead, we should be more worried about where the ship is heading compared to the other ships beside us, rather than fighting among ourselves.