Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Johor voters not to be swayed by money or offers during the upcoming state election, saying voters should still choose PH when casting their ballots.
Anwar made the remarks while attending the launch of Johor PH’s election machinery in Batu Pahat.
‘If someone gives you money, just take it’
Speaking at the event, Anwar said Malaysia now has a mature political system and that voters are wise enough not to be easily “bought” by money.
If someone gives you money, just take it. If someone gives you a project, say thank you, but remember to vote for Pakatan Harapan,” he said.
He added that the current political climate is no longer like the 1970s, saying the people today have dignity.
He also questioned why the public should still be made to queue just to receive aid, saying assistance should be distributed more properly and respectfully, similar to the federal government’s approach.
Says Johor has huge potential
In a separate post, Anwar said the strong turnout at the launch, despite it being organised within a short period, showed the spirit and hope of Johoreans to see a more mature, clean and future-driven form of politics.
He described Johor as a state rich with potential and opportunities, adding that under the MADANI government’s continuous efforts, investments have been flowing in and strategic projects have been developing rapidly.
However, he said Johor’s economy still has plenty of room to grow further.
Anwar stressed that PH holds on to clear principles, where every project carried out must bring direct benefit to the people, every policy must uplift their dignity and improve their lives, and every ringgit of public funds must be managed with trust and responsibility.
‘Integrity cannot be compromised’
Anwar acknowledged that not every problem could be solved within three and a half years, but said one thing PH would not compromise on is integrity.
He said Malaysia is too rich for its people to continue being burdened by leakages, corruption and abuse of power by greedy leaders who only want to enrich themselves and their families.
He also framed the Johor state election as a platform for voters to reject politics of hatred, prejudice, and division along racial and religious lines.
According to Anwar, the people want leaders who talk about jobs, affordable housing, quality education and a more secure life, not leaders who rely on racial and religious sentiments as daily campaign material.
PH and BN competing, but still in unity government
Anwar also touched on the relationship between PH and Barisan Nasional in the Johor state election.
Although both coalitions are contesting against each other, he reminded supporters that they are still members of the unity government at the federal level.
He said leaders from both sides would still meet in Cabinet, and therefore, there should not be hatred between them.
If the federal government and state government can work hand in hand, the people will benefit.”
“So my hope is that everyone continues to cooperate and work together to drive economic development,” he said.
Urges Johor voters to choose wisely
Anwar also called on Johor voters not to take the state election lightly, urging them to use their votes wisely to choose the government they want.
He said what he saw at the launch gave him great confidence, as Malays, Chinese and Indians had gathered with the same hope — not united by hatred or prejudice, but by a shared aspiration to build a fairer, more developed and dignified state and country.
“In the next few weeks, the people of Johor will make their choice. Use that power wisely. Reject politics that divide the people. Choose politics that unites, defends and brings hope,” he said.
Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, Johor PH chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, and Negeri Sembilan PH chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun also attended the launch event.
Anwar and Loke were also seen beating the drums together to officially launch the Johor PH election machinery.