PAKATAN Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim wants all government election machineries to work hard to ensure victory when six states head to the polls on August 12.

He urges Selangor to lead the way for a more cohesive and structured collaboration within PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) to win over voters.

He said victory in Selangor would not only be about the success of PH and BN, but rather a symbol of the unity government’s efforts to raise Malaysia’s dignity in the region.

“Selangor is full of people who are intelligent and mature in politics. This state will set the new standards of politics in this country.

“We want everything to be done with passion, sincerity and the right intention to save the people, the state, religion and the nation from those who are greedy for power,” he said when launching the Selangor Madani unity machinery in Bangi last night.

Also present were BN chairman Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the top leadership of PH-BN, as well as Progressive Democratic Party president Tiong King Sing, representing Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

Anwar said to ensure a win in Selangor, every PH-BN supporter should put aside their differences and instead work as a team to achieve the common goal of uplifting the dignity of the people and the state.

He said on behalf of PH, he would ensure its election machinery is mobilised to help all BN candidates win their respective contested seats.

“Those in PH should not feel uncomfortable holding up the BN flag, likewise, those in BN when they hold the PH flag. Remember, we have a common goal to defend the state, religion, race and country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar also called on all PH-BN members to prove that the unity government is still standing firm by winning the state polls.

He said the government, which was committed to safeguarding Islam and the Malays in accordance with the Federal Constitution, must be defended to ensure no other race is left out or marginalised.

“To all party members in the unity government, don’t ever let this country be ruined by religious extremists, narrow-minded racism, and this should be proven by our success in the state elections,” said Anwar.

Meanwhile, Zahid expressed confidence that Selangor would be led by the PH-BN government following the polls on August 12.

The Umno president said this was because Selangor, under the PH administration led by Caretaker Menteri Besar Amirudin Shaari was fair to all people in the state.

“Tonight in Bangi, we see the people of Selangor want the unity government continue to (lead) this state,” he said, expressing confidence Penang and Negri Sembilan would similarly remain under the unity government.

He also called on the people of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah to give the unity government a chance to helm the three states, with the PAS-led governments previously failing to address issues relating to the people’s welfare.

On BN candidates in the state polls, Zahid said the coalition would be fielding new faces, signifying a new spirit.

He also respects the decision of the MIC and MCA leaderships to remain with BN to support all all unity government candidates, even though both parties have opted to sit out the polls.

The Election Commission has set August 12 as polling day for all six state elections, nomination on July 29 and early voting on August 8. – Bernama, July 8, 2023.