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BN, PH Agree to Avoid Attacks During Johor Election Campaign
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Elections & Politics

BN, PH Agree to Avoid Attacks During Johor Election Campaign

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) agreed to refrain from attacking each other during the Johor state election campaign.
  • This understanding aims to foster a mature and courteous democratic process within the ruling coalition.
  • Both parties will focus on introducing candidates and presenting their platforms, emphasizing national interests over electoral competition.

Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have reached an understanding to avoid negative campaigning against each other throughout the Johor state election campaign. This agreement aims to promote a mature and respectful democratic process.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that this approach was agreed upon by all parties within the Unity Government. While competing against each other in Johor, the coalition prioritizes broader national interests. Party leaders recognize the importance of maintaining good relations and focusing on introducing candidates and their service offerings to the public, rather than engaging in attacks.

We are friends and we compete in the same arena, with our friends in the federal Unity Government. However, we have instilled this understanding so that we do not attack opponents, even if we have different views and opinions for Johor.

— Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid HamidiThe Deputy Prime Minister explained the agreement between BN and PH to avoid negative campaigning during the Johor state election.

"We are friends and we compete in the same arena, with our friends in the federal Unity Government. However, we have instilled this understanding so that we do not attack opponents, even if we have different views and opinions for Johor," Ahmad Zahid said. He stressed that the focus should be on the bigger national picture, which is well understood by the top leadership of the parties in the Unity Government.

Ahmad Zahid also refuted claims of BN collaborating with other parties in the Johor polls, asserting that the coalition will contest independently. He pointed to BN's decision to field candidates in all 56 state constituencies as proof of their solo campaign, noting that none of their candidates are using symbols from other parties. While acknowledging that discussions might occur at lower levels, he reiterated BN's commitment to running independently.

I haven't heard about that, perhaps discussions are held at the lower level. In reality, as Onn Hafiz stated from the beginning that we want to go solo, it is proven that we have placed candidates in all 56 DUN seats.

— Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid HamidiAhmad Zahid addressed rumors of BN collaborating with other parties, emphasizing their independent campaign strategy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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