PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the conditions during the coming elections as being more complicated than previous elections due to the dissemination of slanderous allegations and the incitement of hatred by irresponsible parties.

Anwar who is also the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said due to such abnormal conditions, the unity government has to combat slanderous allegations as well as battle against polemics played up constantly that can disrupt unity and the rights of the Malays.

“We are battling against slanderous accusations. This battle is therefore more difficult and complicated due to the incitement of hatred that is spread without any rational consideration and which can be detrimental,” he said in his speech during a meeting with the Unity Government’s election machinery, in Iskandar Puteri today.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi as well as Johor PH-BN leaders and the unity government’s election machinery.

He added that in the eight months of administrating the unity government, the administration was able to lift the status of Malaysia as well as tackle various issues, including poverty, governance and revival of the country’s economy.

Anwar said the PH-BN coalition in the government remains a catalyst for unity that can help revive and save Malaysia.

He added that the progressive approach embraced by PH and the experience of BN in administrating the country is far better than when the country was run by Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the past.

“With the experience of our ‘partner’ BN and the progressive approach embraced by PH, this coalition can serve as a blessing to save the country,” he said at the meeting that was attended by more than 500 members of the unity government’s election machinery.

The by-elections for the Pulai Parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state assembly seat are to be held following the passing of the late incumbent Salahuddin Ayub who was also the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, on July 23, 2023.

The Election Commission has set the dates for both by-elections as August 26 for nomination and September 9 for polling. – Bernama, August 25, 2023.