PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned ministers, deputy ministers and officeholders in government agencies against using their positions to attack unity government allies while campaigning during state elections.
Anwar, who is also the Pakatan Harapan chairman, said the decision was made after he spoke to deputy prime ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, Harian Metro reported.
“We remind candidates, especially those holding minister, deputy minister or agency positions, that they can campaign on state issues,” he was quoted as saying after attending Program Madani Kita at the Taman Perpaduan community hall in Ipoh today.
“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.”
Anwar said federal officeholders should not turn state elections into a platform to attack others and must maintain discipline.
“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.
In the Negeri Sembilan state election, PH and BN will not be contesting as allies. Instead, BN is cooperating with the PAS-led Perikatan Nasional, while PH is contesting all 36 state seats alone.
Earlier today, PH Youth leaders called on BN ministers and deputy ministers to resign from the Cabinet following the coalition’s cooperation with PN in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
They accused BN of being “two-faced” and said its stance raises serious questions about its commitment to the unity government.
