Govt must battle slander, incitement in coming election - Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the coming elections will be more complicated due to slanderous allegations and incitement of hatred by irresponsible parties.

Due to this, he said the federal government has to combat those allegations as well as battle against controversies that are being played up which can disrupt the unity and rights of Malays.

“We are battling against slanderous accusations. This battle is therefore more difficult and complicated due to the incitement of hatred that is spread without any rational consideration and which can be detrimental,” he said.

The Pakatan Harapan chairperson was giving a speech during a meeting with the federal government’s election machinery in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, today.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also the BN chairperson, Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, as well as Johor Harapan-BN leaders, and the government’s election machinery.

He added that after eight months in the government, they were able to lift the status of Malaysia as well as tackle various issues, including poverty, governance, and revival of the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the Harapan-BN coalition remains a catalyst for unity that can help revive and save Malaysia.

He added that the progressive approach embraced by Harapan and the experience of BN in administrating the country is far better than when the country was administered by Perikatan Nasional.

“With the experience of our ‘partner’ BN and the progressive approach embraced by Harapan, this coalition can serve as a blessing to save the country,” he said.

The meeting was attended by over 500 members of the government’s election machinery.

The by-election for the Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state assembly seat will be held following the passing of the incumbent Salahuddin Ayub who was also the minister of domestic trade and cost of living on July 23.

The Election Commission has set the dates for both by-elections as Aug 26 for nomination and Sept 9 for polling.

- Bernama