JOHOR BARU: Political parties should avoid making personal attacks during the Johor election campaign as they are still working together to govern the country at the federal level, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Barisan Nasional deputy chairman said parties were free to debate policies and political differences, but campaigning should not come at the expense of harmony and national stability.
"We are still managing the country together at the federal level. For me, governing the country is important. Don't let the election damage the country.
"Criticism is normal during an election. We can 'usik mengusik' (tease each other), there is no issue.
"We can debate policies and parties, but nothing should be personal," he told reporters after meeting Tiram voters at a restaurant on Monday (July 6).
Mohamad, who is also Foreign Minister, said preserving political stability was crucial to ensuring continued investor confidence and economic growth.
"The important thing is that we do not undermine the country's stability, which has become the foundation for the influx of foreign investors into Malaysia.
"Last year, Malaysia received 42 million tourists, the highest in Asean, surpassing Thailand. People see Malaysia as a stable and peaceful country.
"So we should not allow small issues to cause us to lose out," he said.
On another matter, Mohamad also reiterated that claims linking the Johor election to the possible release of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had nothing to do with the matter.
"I have said many times that Datuk Seri Najib's case or his release has nothing to do with this election.
"We are a country governed by the rule of law and we respect the law.
"This is a state election. What can a Menteri Besar do to secure Datuk Seri Najib's release? Nothing, because that power lies at the federal level," he said.
He added that the power to grant a royal pardon rested solely with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"No one else has that power except the King. We should not assume that power or diminish it. That is something the public must understand," he said.
