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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged political parties contesting the Melaka state election to focus on issues affecting people's livelihoods, warning that racial and religious divisions could undermine economic progress and national stability.
Speaking at the launch of Pakatan Harapan's (PH) election machinery at Stadium Hang Jebat in Melaka on Saturday, Anwar said voters should assess candidates based on their achievements, policies and development plans rather than rhetoric that fuels hostility between communities.
He identified the cost of living, employment opportunities, education, healthcare and basic amenities as key issues on which the government should be judged.
“Elections should be a platform to explain achievements, policies and plans, not a space to insult others or fuel political hostility,” he said.
Anwar, who is also PKR president, said Malaysia's history, including the Melaka Sultanate and the struggle for independence, demonstrated the importance of cooperation among different communities in achieving major national goals.
He rejected claims that the country's future could be secured by championing the interests of one race at the expense of others.
“If our ancestors succeeded in building the Malacca Sultanate into a great empire, we too can achieve this through peace, unity among all parties and sound development strategies,” he said.
He stressed that strengthening national unity did not mean neglecting the interests of Malays and Bumiputera, adding that Melaka's development required the participation of its Malay, Chinese and Indian communities.
Anwar also warned that racial division could hamper Malaysia's efforts to develop expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy, as well as limit job creation and income growth.
He said the government remained committed to addressing administrative weaknesses and ensuring public trust was upheld responsibly, while maintaining peace and stability.
At the event, Anwar announced PH's 21 candidates for the Nov 14 state election, which will see all 28 state assembly seats contested following the assembly's dissolution on Sept 23.
Former Melaka chief minister and Amanah vice-president Datuk Seri Adly Zahari will defend Bukit Katil. Four other incumbents will also defend their seats: DAP's Kerk Chee Yee in Ayer Keroh, Allex Seah in Kesidang, Low Chee Leong in Kota Laksamana and Leng Chau Yen in Bandar Hilir.
The other candidates are Muhammad Mukhlisul Mubin Julasapiyah (Kuala Linggi), Mohamad Yunazri Mustamiri (Tanjung Bidara), Mohd Khuzaire Mohd Kamal Kannan (Rembia), Jegasillan K. (Gadek), Ginie Lim Siew Lin (Machap Jaya), Datuk Asyraf Mukhlis Minghat (Durian Tunggal) and Danesh Palasubramaniam (Asahan).
The remaining candidates are Datuk Azman Abidin (Paya Rumput), Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir (Klebang), Jason Tze-Xi Nathan (Pengkalan Batu), Muhammad Hakimin Mokhtar (Ayer Molek), Foo Long Suan (Duyong), Capt (Rtd) Mohamad Jaafar (Telok Mas), Esma Eazreen Husin (Rim), Muhammad Faiq Azman (Serkam) and Rahayu Hamzah (Merlimau).
Also present were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, PKR vice-president and PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Melaka PH chairman Datuk Seri Adly Zahari. - October 25, 2026
