Harapan states doing well but need better public relations - Anwar

 

Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim said the three states led by Harapan administrations have been developing far better compared to other states, but they need to be more consistent about communicating their successful policies to the people.

He said Harapan’s leaders and machinery should not just focus on disseminating information about their policies within their own states but also in other states.

“Objectively, if we look at the developments and steps taken in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang, it has far surpassed other states.

“But this needs to be explained, it needs to be informed, the rakyat should know the policies in Selangor compared to other states.

“Then the machinery in Selangor should go to other states to explain as well,” Anwar said as reported by state-owned Selangorkini today.

Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar said he is confident that Harapan can retain the three states as those living there are already aware of their successful policies, but propaganda against Harapan and misinformation is rampant in other states.

Convincing lies

The PKR president recalled an incident when he was campaigning in the Johor state polls where someone had said they agreed with him on the developments in Harapan-led states but questioned why the azan call was not allowed in Penang mosques, which is untrue.

“For me, that is a most unreasonable thing. I am from Penang, the mosque’s ceramah is still loud. If there is a new microphone, it will be even louder.

“That is what we understand. So cheap propaganda and accusations are sometimes very effective,” Anwar said.

That is why, he said, Harapan should not underestimate these issues as such claims can greatly affect people who would like to support them but are wary of DAP, which has been accused of “Christianising” the state of Penang.

It is clearly a lie but their opponents are willing to resort to such dirty politics against them, Anwar said.

“So, government machinery and elected representatives should not take these issues too lightly and be too comfortable because our political enemies will keep looking for new tricks and slander because these people follow (Nazi chief propagandist) Joseph Goebbels.

“In Adolf Hitler’s theory, repeating an accusation over and over again will eventually make people believe in them,” Anwar warned. - Mkini