IPOH: Ministers, deputy ministers and heads of federal agencies are not to abuse their positions to launch political attacks against fellow partners in the unity government, and those who do so should step down, the Prime Minister warns.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) said those holding federal positions must maintain discipline and should not exploit their roles, even though parties may compete against each other during elections.
He said this was discussed with Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, particularly regarding the ongoing state election campaign in Negri Sembilan.
“We know there are parties that are together at federal level but are contesting against each other at state level.
“This is acceptable because in a democratic system, this is allowed and everyone can make their own interpretations.
“However, if they hold federal positions, they cannot use that position to attack or turn it into a political platform to oppose them (government partners). They must uphold discipline,” he told reporters at the Madani Kita event.
Anwar said those who wished to openly oppose government partners while holding federal positions should first relinquish their posts.
“If they want to do that, they must step down from their positions,” he said.
He added that the rule applied to all government agencies, including those under his purview such as the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and Rubber Industry Small-holders Development Authority (Risda).
“We must ensure that there are no breaches. If there are violations, I will ask them to step down,” he said.
Anwar said the government wanted to ensure that relations between the federal and state governments, including Perak, remained stable so that administrative work could continue smoothly.
“Let us manage this. If there is a contest, it should remain at the state level,” he said.
