Pakatan Harapan (PH) Deputy Chairman Anthony Loke has urged political parties to focus on policies and public promises rather than launching personal attacks during the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign.
Loke, who is also the DAP Secretary-General, said he has made a conscious decision not to target any Cabinet ministers personally throughout the campaign, stressing that election debates should revolve around ideas, solutions and commitments to the people. Political campaigns, he said, should strengthen democratic discourse instead of creating unnecessary divisions within the government.
Speaking to reporters after attending a PH dinner event in conjunction with the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election on Sunday, Loke said he preferred to campaign based on what PH intends to deliver rather than reviving personal issues involving political leaders.
“We should campaign based on what we want to offer and clearly explain our policies. I have taken the position not to attack any leaders personally, especially Cabinet ministers, because they are my colleagues in the Cabinet.
“We meet every week during Cabinet meetings and share many responsibilities in governing the country together,” he said.
The Transport Minister explained that his stance is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s advice that government office holders should maintain discipline and refrain from attacking the Federal Government while campaigning during elections.
Loke said he had also put that principle into practice by choosing not to campaign in the Rantau state constituency, where Foreign Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is contesting, in order to preserve harmony within the Unity Government.
Instead, he said his campaign efforts are focused on the Chennah state seat, where he is contesting, as well as constituencies represented by DAP candidates. He is also assisting Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun in campaigning for the Linggi state seat.
Responding to criticism that his ministerial responsibilities have caused him to neglect Chennah, Loke rejected the allegation, saying his Cabinet position actually benefits the constituency.
According to him, serving as Transport Minister enables him to channel more development opportunities and government allocations to Chennah, including funding for Kampung Madani projects.
“What matters most is what I can deliver for the constituency. I also have a dedicated full-time team that manages the area and continues to assist residents,” he said.
The Election Commission has scheduled early voting for the Negeri Sembilan state election on 28 July, while polling day will take place on 1 August.
