Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that the Johor state election was called early because certain parties are seeking to return to power in an effort to secure the release of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Speaking during the Jelajah Johor Ke Depan programme in Tangkak on Sunday night, Anwar said PH had been forced into the election to safeguard political stability and maintain the strong working relationship between the Johor state government and the Federal Government.
“We heard the arguments earlier that there was no need for a state election now. Yet they insisted on holding it. Why now? We now know the reason. They believe they are strong enough to return to power as before.
“And of course, they want to free Datuk Seri Najib,” he said.
Anwar, who is also the Prime Minister, said he and his PH colleagues entered the election to ensure the country remains stable while continuing efforts to improve the welfare of the people of Johor.
“I, together with my PH colleagues, have been drawn into this election. Why? Because I want to ensure this country remains stable.
“The cooperation between Johor, PH and the Federal Government is good, and we want to focus on uplifting the people of Johor,” he said.
Anwar also stressed that Malaysia is not a poor country, arguing that the nation’s real problem lies in greed and the abuse of power by certain individuals, which has hindered national development.
“This state is not poor. Malaysia is not poor. I often repeat what Mahatma Gandhi said: ‘The world has enough for every man’s need but will never be enough for every man’s greed.’
“If we want everyone to live well—Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Ibans and Kadazans—there are enough resources for everyone to have a home and a job. But if we allow this country to return to the old ways, where money is stolen, hidden away, properties are bought in London, and people leave behind billions in wealth, then this country cannot progress,” he said.
He urged voters to carefully consider the nation’s future before casting their ballots, saying past experiences should serve as a lesson.
“I ask everyone here to think carefully about where we want this country to go. We have learned from the past. We are trying to rebuild this nation, and we must look after everyone,” he said.
Anwar added that although he remains committed to improving the welfare of the Malay community and ensuring they are not left behind, his responsibility as Prime Minister is to serve all Malaysians regardless of race.
“I am Malay, and I am determined to ensure Malays do not remain poor or marginalised. But I have been entrusted to lead this country.
“I want every Chinese child to feel that this Prime Minister is their Prime Minister too—one who helps all Malaysians. The same applies to Indian children. When I go to Sabah, we engage with the people there. In Sarawak, that is also our approach,” he said.
At the same time, Anwar stressed that he does not intend to use political power for the benefit of his family or repeat practices that he claimed had occurred under previous administrations.
