BN, PH Agree to Avoid Attacks Throughout Johor PRN Campaign

BENUT: Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have reached an understanding not to launch attacks against each other throughout the Johor State Election (PRN) campaign period to ensure that the democratic process takes place in a mature and prudent manner.

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the approach was agreed upon by all parties in the Unity Government, which prioritise the greater interest at the national level despite competing against each other in Johor.

According to him, party leadership understands the need to maintain good relations and avoid attacks during the campaign, instead focusing on introducing candidates and offering services to the people.

“Yes, we are friends and we compete in the same arena, with our friends in the Unity Government at the federal level. However, this understanding has been instilled so that we do not attack our opponents even though we have differing views and opinions for Johor.

“Because we must look at the bigger picture at the national level later. This is well understood by the top leadership of the parties within the Unity Government.

“I hope that in Johor, the approach of not attacking any party that is not with us, let alone promoting our candidates, will be carried out with full courtesy and prudence,” he said when met after a lunch event with BN Benut State Legislative Assembly (DUN) candidate, Datuk Mohd. Sumali Reduan, here today.

Commenting on allegations that BN had formed cooperation with other parties in the Johor PRN, Ahmad Zahid denied the matter and stressed that the coalition remains with its stance of contesting solo.

He said the decision to field candidates in all 56 DUN seats proves that BN is not using the symbol of any other party.

“I have not heard about that, perhaps discussions were held at the lower level and the fact is, when Onn Hafiz stated from the beginning that we want to go solo, it is proven that we have fielded candidates in all 56 DUN seats.

“There is not a single one of our candidates using the symbol of another party. There may have been discussions at the third or fourth level because in politics, there must be discussions with several possibilities,” he said.

Utusan Malaysia