CANDIDATES contesting in the August 12 state elections should maintain good manners and not insult others when campaigning, Religious Affairs Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said.

He said they must also avoid slanderous acts and actions that can undermine the people’s unity.

“Allah forbids any party to insult other races and people. In this context, the candidates can have different opinions, politics and ideologies but they need to steer clear of insulting and dividing the people of this country,” he said at a press conference after the symbolic handing over of Inpsirasiku MyHaus housing aid under the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation in Taiping today.

Na’im advised the candidates to focus on the policies for voters and ensure that they are fulfilled for the well-being of the people.

On women who are observing ‘iddah’ (a period where a woman is required to stay home and not venture out except for necessities) due to the death of their husband, Na’im said it is obligatory for them to vote.

He said women, too, have a responsibility to the country to choose a leader, and leaving the house to vote is allowed. – Bernama, July 30, 2023.