Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned ministers, deputy ministers and officeholders in government agencies under the unity government not to attack one another while campaigning in state elections.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said the decision was reached after discussions with Deputy Prime Ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof.
Speaking after attending the Program Madani Kita at the Taman Perpaduan Community Hall in Ipoh, he said federal officeholders should focus their campaigns on state issues.
“We remind candidates, especially those holding minister, deputy minister or agency positions, that they can campaign on state issues.
“So far, we have asked them to exercise restraint so that our relations at the federal level remain good, so that work can proceed. Let us keep it under control if there is a contest at the state level,” he said.
Warning of action against violators
Anwar stressed that federal officeholders must not use state election campaigns as a platform to attack one another and should maintain discipline throughout the campaign period.
He warned that anyone who failed to comply could be asked to leave their government position.
“If they choose to do that, they should step down from their positions. We have to ensure there are no violations, because if there is a violation, I will ask them to step down,” he said.
Negeri Sembilan election in focus
Negeri Sembilan is the next state to hold elections, with two federal ministers contesting seats. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook is defending Chennah, while Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan is contesting Rantau.
Earlier today, PH Youth called on all Barisan Nasional (BN) ministers and deputy ministers to resign from the Cabinet following BN’s cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
The youth wing accused BN of adopting a “two-faced” approach and questioned the coalition’s commitment to the unity government.
In the Negeri Sembilan election, PH is contesting all 36 state seats independently, while BN has entered into an electoral understanding with the PAS-led PN, under which BN is contesting 25 seats and PN the remaining 11.
