12-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Tuesday that the seat distribution among the component parties in the unity government has been finalised for the upcoming six state polls. The unity government comprises Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and the previous ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, along with several other parties. Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Parti Warisan also back the unity government.
BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the coalition will announce its list of candidates for the state elections next Friday, ahead of the nomination day on Jul 29. The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) have announced their decision not to contest in the state polls. However, they will help to campaign for the unity government in the state polls.
Six states, namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan will hold their state polls concurrently on Aug 12. Anwar said the unity government will use the theme ‘Unity for Stability and Prosperity’ in facing the state polls. However, the respective leadership in the six states may come up with additional slogans and election manifestos.
Anwar issued a final warning to all parties to not exploit issues touching on race, religion and the royal institution during the press conference on Tuesday night. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will monitor the situation. The PDRM said that PAS chief Abdul Hadi Awang and Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Lim Guan Eng are under investigation after allegedly making remarks on race and religion. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Razarudin Husain warned that stern action will be taken against political parties who play up sensitive issues, especially on the 3R, during the election campaign.
