PM: Ministers, deputies should quit before attacking Madani partners during campaign

N SEMBILAN POLLS | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned ministers, deputy ministers, and federal agency heads taking part in the Negeri Sembilan state election against attacking one another.

He said they were free to debate state issues, but should quit if they want to start attacking their partners in the federal government.

“During my discussions with (Deputy Prime Ministers) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, we reminded candidates, particularly those holding positions as ministers, deputy ministers, or heads of government agencies, that they may contest on state-related issues.

“But at the federal level, if they hold a position, they must not use it as a political platform to attack or contradict one another because they are also required to maintain discipline,” he was quoted as saying by NST today.

Anwar added that parties in the federal government contesting against each other was part of the democratic process.

His remarks contrast with Pakatan Harapan Youth’s demand that BN ministers and deputy ministers resign from the federal government, arguing that BN’s alliance with Perikatan Nasional in the state polls amounted to a betrayal.

It is unclear whether Anwar was referring only to personal attacks against officeholders or also to criticism of the parties they represent.

Two federal ministers are contesting the election: Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.

Loke has already taken a swipe at BN, accusing its Negeri Sembilan chapter of backstabbing the Harapan-led state government and disrespecting the royal institution.

Meanwhile, BN is actively plotting to abandon Harapan, with Zahid saying its partnership with PN is a test for a possible political realignment in the next general election.

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KINIGUIDE | Shifting alliances as battle royale for Negeri Sembilan begins