Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has called on all political parties contesting the Johor state election to conduct a mature and respectful campaign, urging candidates to avoid personal attacks that could undermine national stability.
Mohamad said parties should focus on presenting their policies and election pledges to voters without jeopardising cooperation within the Federal Unity Government.
“Campaign based on policies and party platforms, not personal attacks. We must be prudent because at the Federal level, we are still governing the country together, and that is what matters most.
“Friendly exchanges and political teasing are part of politics, and there is nothing wrong with that. I tease others and they tease me too, but we should never cross the line by making it personal,” he said during a luncheon with voters in the Tiram state constituency on Monday.
The Foreign Minister also dismissed claims that the Johor state election is being held to facilitate the release of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, describing such allegations as baseless.
He stressed that Malaysia upholds the rule of law and that Umno fully respects the country’s legal and constitutional processes.
“The Johor state election has nothing to do with Datuk Seri Najib’s case because it is meant to elect a state government, not the Federal Government.
“What authority does a Menteri Besar have to secure Datuk Seri Najib’s release? None. The power does not lie with the state government, and the granting of a royal pardon is the absolute prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. We should not undermine or usurp the powers of the King,” he said.
Polling for the Johor state election will be held on July 11, while early voting is scheduled to take place tomorrow.
A total of 172 candidates are contesting 56 seats in the Johor State Legislative Assembly.
